Helen Philbrook Dinkel's Obituary
Helen Philbrook Dinkel of Covington, LA met her heavenly Father on Friday, July 7, 2023. She was born in Springfield, IL on August 7, 1929.
Helen enjoyed an early career with the federal government working at the Selective Service and Social Security. Ultimately, she found her calling as a dedicated mother and homemaker. She was a talented cook, baker, seamstress and hostess. She also found joy in crocheting and knitting gifts for family and friends.
Helen enjoyed life to its fullest. She was a charter member of the Krewe of Eve and was a captain for many years. Helen was a member of the Red Hat Society and local garden clubs. She was active in her church communities at Holy Comforter in New Orleans, Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, and St. Timothy on the Northshore in Mandeville. Helen was a member of the choir, various committees and support groups. She loved to play Bridge and Canasta, tennis, and snow ski. She was also a committed volunteer with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Restore, Telephone Pioneers and Local Hope Guatemala where she supported an Emergency Fund for food and medical care for families in critical need since 2007. Helen also loved to travel with her husband, Milton, family and friends. They took many cruises and traveled all around the world together.
Helen had many passions, but her family was her greatest. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her children, Milton L. Dinkel, Jr. (Leslie), Bonnie L. Dinkel and Kevin W. Dinkel (Desma); her grandchildren, Ann Ollivier (Matthew), Chad Dinkel (Angel), Thomas Dinkel (Vanessa), Corey Dinkel (Claire), Elizabeth Fuentes (Joe), Cami Geisman (Hunter); step-grandson Oscar Deleon (April); and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Joanne Philbrook Newton and Peggy Lee Philbrook Carroll and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Milton L. Dinkel, Sr.; her parents Lela Mae Drake Philbrook and Leroy E. Philbrook; and siblings, Lois Philbrook Fahrenbacher, Kathryn Philbrook Fahrenbacher, Lela Mae Philbrook DiGeronimo, Janet Philbrook Isaac and Leroy E. Philbrook.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family expresses their deepest gratitude for the care provided by the entire staff of Longleaf at Christwood, Notre Dame Hospice and the staff who supported Helen and Milton when they lived in the Atrium at Christwood.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Timothy on the Northshore, 335 Ashbury Dr., Mandeville, LA on Saturday, August 12, 2023, Visitation begins at 10:00AM, Memorial Service at 10:30AM followed by a luncheon reception at Benedict’s, 1144 N. Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, LA 70471.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Dinkel may be made to the following:
Purpose Church of Baton Rouge – https://www.purposechurch.co/give/
Local Hope (Xela AID Partnerships for Self Reliance) – https://xelaaid.org/donate
St. Timothy on the Northshore - https://www.sttimothyns.org/give/
Family and friends are invited to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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