Helen, of Gainesville, Florida, formerly of Redford Township, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side on Saturday, March 4, 2023. She was 97 years old.

Helen was born on November 5, 1925, in Highland Park, Michigan, the daughter of the late Vanhooy and Mgrdich Ayavzian. She attended Armenian school and graduated in 1943, from Central High School in Detroit, Michigan. Helen went on to work at Ford Motor Company as a keypunch operator. She met the love of her life, Paul, while ice skating at Palmer Park Outdoor Skating Rink. The two would be married on September 29, 1945, at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Detroit. Helen and Paul had two daughters and one son while living in the Detroit area. They moved to Redford Township in 1954 and lived there until 1984. She was an active member at Grace Lutheran Church in Redford. In 1966, they started construction on a lake cottage near Gaylord, Michigan. We had many snowy winters and swimmy summers there together. All the grandchildren and adults made wonderful memories there together.

Helen enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards with her family and friends. After Paul retired in 1983, they were anxious to relocate in warmer weather and chose Gainesville, Florida, to be by their daughter Kathy and family. Here they joined the golf league, the bowling league, and the many activities in their community. Sadly, Paul died in 1991. Helen decided to stay and built an active life with her friends. She enjoyed all sports, especially football and golf. She knew every player, standings and would often talk to her friends about the game. Every winter she would travel with her two daughters to Biloxi, MS, to exercise her arm. On her 80 ^th birthday, all the family went on a cruise, and low and behold she won the coverall for $2000. When she turned 90, we had a mini family reunion in Michigan. What a memorable celebration it was. We will miss Helen terribly but cherish our loving memories. We love you forever.

Helen is survived by her loving children, Lauren (Ronald) Okopny, Kathy (Dave) Ames, and Tim (Stephanie) Biehl; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Biehl; and son-in-law, Ronald Okopny.

The Biehl family will receive guests Friday, March 10, from 11 am - 1 pm, at the funeral home, where a funeral service will be held beginning at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven Hospice , 4200 NW 90 ^th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606, or the charity of your choice.

Please keep Helen and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.