Judith Ann (Guerin), Helmick, Purpuard

Judith Ann (Guerin) Purpuard, formerly Helmick, 87, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, May 9th, having made this world a more joyous and welcoming place. Born in Toledo in 1938, Judy was the daughter of Edward ("Eddie") and Marcie Guerin. A graduate of DeVilbiss High School, she lived her entire life in the Toledo area - and couldn't understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else. Like many women of her time, Judy became a young wife and mother, but later pursued a career as a nurse, graduating first in her nursing school class. For nearly 20 years, she worked as a pediatric nurse at the former Mercy Hospital, where every child in her care was special, every parent reassured. She later pivoted to a new career as a legal assistant to a downtown Toledo law firm, where she enjoyed and was thankful for having been able to work with friends and family: Bobby Kaplan, Jon Richardson, Pete Rost, Fritz Byers, Sam Kaplan, Debbie Lipson, Brian Vicente, and Jane Roman. In carrying out her duties, there was hardly a client, law office, court clerk, or bank teller that wasn't memorably exposed to her infectious enthusiasm and good cheer. Judy was a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction, but her deepest love was always her family. A larger than life presence in her grandchildren's lives, she was always the loudest and most enthusiastic voice at every game and performance - sometimes causing them to momentarily blush. Her role in their lives was not just on the sidelines, but one of endless fun, including memorable sleepovers. She even donned her rollerblades to join them for some fresh air. Affectionately dubbed "The Duchess of Schmooze," and gifted with a willing and sympathetic ear, she was a steadfast and comforting presence to her family and extended family. She'll be remembered for her indelible kindness to all, openness, joie de vivre, and unconditional love. Judy was beloved by her three children, all of whom of course live in Northwest Ohio: Julie Vitale (husband Jim), Jeff Helmick (wife Karen), and Jennifer Small (husband Chuck); seven loving grandchildren, all of whom she saw graduate from college: Sarah Long (husband Matt), Alison Vitale (husband Steve Weiss), Gabrielle Carpenter (husband Clint), Hannah, Jeff, and Mallory Small, and Joel Helmick, and four great-grandchildren: Michael, Grace, and Nicholas Long, and Maggie Weiss. She was close throughout her life to her surviving and loving sisters, Ann Kaplan and Nancy Wadsworth, and together they formed a wonderful and formidable triad. She was also a strong presence in the lives of Ann's children: Katie, Sarah, and Sam; and Nancy's children: Guy, Kim, and Britt. She was preceded in death by her former husbands, Gene Purpuard and Jim Helmick. Interment will be private. A celebration of Judy's life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Library Legacy Foundation of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Lucas County Canine Care & Control, or a charity of the donor's choosing. Please view and sign our guest registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Tributes

Judith Ann (Guerin), Helmick, Purpuard

August 18, 1938 - May 9, 2026