Helen Ethel (Newbury) Leal

Helen Ethel Leal, age 84, passed away peacefully in her home, from complications of multiple myeloma, with beloved family by her side. She fought long and hard but eventually succumbed to her illness. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Helen was born on October 11, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio to parents Wilbur and Iris (Longeway) Newbury. Helen married Joseph R. Leal on June 3, 1961.

Helen was a 1957 graduate of Whitney High School where she studied cosmetology. For years she provided free haircuts in her home to adults and kids in the neighborhood that could not afford them. Helen had a huge heart and graciously opened her home to so many people. She was a mom and a grandma to many who weren’t her own over the years.

Helen loved to read, quilt, tend to her flower garden and spend time on the beach. She was a member of Westgate Chapel for over 35 years, where she grew in knowledge and her love for Jesus. She sang in the choir there with her husband. The thing that Helen loved most of all was her family. She loved spending time with her children, her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing a birthday party or a get-together. She will be remembered for her kind and loving heart, her warm and giving nature and her selflessness. 

Helen leaves behind all those whom she loved and touched deeply: her husband Joseph, children Michael (Marilyn) Kulwicki, Jodie (Tommy) Hickman, Tami Perez, Susan (Alberto) Spallino, Kelli (Nikki) Leal-Klein, brother Jerome (Linda) Newbury and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Robert Kulwicki, granddaughter Melissa Kulwicki, sister Amy Newbury and brothers Wayne and Kenneth Newbury.

A memorial gathering will be held to share some of our favorite memories and stories about Helen, to laugh and cry, and remember what an extraordinary, wonderful person she was, and we welcome anyone who would like to share.

The gathering will be held at Westgate Chapel, 2500 Wilford Dr., Toledo, Ohio

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 28 from 6-8pm and on Thursday, August 29 from 9-11am. Service will start at 11am and a luncheon will follow  

What a legacy she has left behind. Helen’s beautiful spirit will live on in every life that she touched. Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

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