Helen Wise Dermer peacefully passed away on November 25, 2023 at the age of 92. Born at home in Old Fort, Ohio on April 10, 1931 to John and Marie (Havens) Wise, she was the third of six children. Helen’s early years were spent working on the farm, developing her skills in piano and sewing, and discovering a love of children and learning. She attended college at Bowling Green Normal School (now BGSU) and began her elementary teaching career in Fostoria at age 20.
Eager to explore the world, she taught at US Naval Base schools in Sasebo, Japan and Naples, Italy, before returning to Bowling Green and Conneaut School. After earning her Masters in Education, she joined the Education Department faculty at Bowling Green State University, where she dedicated herself to teaching elementary reading, language arts and early childhood education courses until her retirement. Throughout her life, she frequently encountered former students, even during family vacations.
Helen’s commitment to volunteering rivaled her professional dedication. She installed hundreds of LifeLine alert systems to help seniors live independently, contributed to wheeled meals, the Wood County Commission on Aging, church committees, PEO scholarship awards, and formed a 4H Sewing club. Together with friends she formed Star Billing, a musical group of pianists and vocalists, entertaining at nursing homes and various banquets.
Helen will be dearly missed by her brother Bob (Darlene), sister-in-law Loretta, daughter Emily (Phil), grandchildren Evan, Eloise and Davis, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Rolland Dermer, brothers Paul, Dale and Don, sister Karen, and sons Douglas and Kenneth. Her final resting place will be Pleasant Union Cemetery, adjacent to her birthplace.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Monday, December 11, at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 1526 East Wooster, Bowling Green. Remembrances may be sent to the compassionate team at Ashanti Hospice – Otterbein Senior Life in Pemberville, or to the church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green.
