Helen Jeanette Lind's Obituary
Helen Lind left the world on the evening of Saturday, April 5, 2025 just as the setting sun burst into a fantastic show of red, orange and yellow. She would have loved the natural fireworks announcing her departure.
A red-headed only child, Helen was known for being feisty and independent. She loved the out-of-doors and was devoted to animals. She thought of herself as a tomboy, but really, she was an early feminist.
Helen graduated from Bowling Green State University, where she met and married Pete. They settled in Whitehall and Helen began her career as her daughters started school.
In 1961, Helen started working for the Michigan Pine and Dunes Girl Scout Council. During her 31 years in professional Girl Scouting, she piloted outdoor programs that are still used nationwide. Her vision to make scouting relevant to girls from all backgrounds and communities brought about the development of several innovative programs to grow self-esteem and confidence in girls and young women.
Helen worked closely with the United Way and other local agencies to find ways to meet community needs and was a widely respected leader in the nonprofit community for her positive outlook and collaborative nature. The importance of becoming involved in one’s community and helping others was one of Helen’s most deeply held values.
Upon retirement as Executive Director of Girl Scouts, Helen was presented with the Thanks Badge, one of the highest adult awards the Girl Scouts offer. Later, she received the National Daisy Award from Girl Scouts for her impact on scouting.
Helen was an all-around fun person, and for her, the fun truly began when she retired in 1992. She traveled out west to see the National Parks and to visit friends, she took up kickboxing and walking on the beach. She was a competitive tennis player and mom to a very stout old beagle—Kipper.
She was one of those people who was up for just about any adventure—yard sales, road trips, destination lunches, parties, riding in “Pinkie” a 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon, community activities and Andrew’s school events.
Nicknamed the “G Unit” by Andrew, the pair had a blast as Andrew was growing up—nothing like a crazy fun grandma! She was the kind of grandma that you bring to school as your “show and tell” with her severed fingertip.
Her happy place was the family cabin near Honor. She loved spending time there, relaxing, kayaking and watching the seasons change, and seeing her granddogs chase salmon in the Platte River.
She became a lifelong member of the Platte River Yacht Club with her “up north” friends; and in North Muskegon, she was part of SNL the Sunday Night Ladies or Sunday Night Lushes, according to Helen. On Sunday nights, this group of friends would have dinner and venture off to unusual places. They became lifelong friends and companions who were cherished by Helen.
Helen always attracted a wide array of friends, both young and her age, because she was open-minded and forward-thinking and accepted people unconditionally. Young at heart, she loved bright colors, especially lime green and was fond of flamingo prints, and everything sunny, bold and beautiful in this crazy old world.
Until her brief stay at Poppen Hospice Residence, she lived independently at her home in North Muskegon with the help of her family and a crew of beloved caregivers and friends.
Helen was 95 1/2 years old and was born on October 10, 1929, in Warren, Ohio to Jeanette and Lou Gluck, Helen is survived by daughter Penny (Curtis) Albertie; and daughter Laurel (Mike) Dawson. Her beloved grandson and only grandchild, Andrew Schmidt, also survives her. Her husband Pete preceded her in death.
Her life was made better by her caregiver family—Jodi Chvala, Mary Salter, Jackie Dykman and Blaire Sorenson.
A celebration of life for Helen will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation with her family will begin at 1:00 PM and the service, with Rev. Glenn Wagner officiating, at 2:00 PM. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven or Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve (North Muskegon).
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?