Helen E. Corey

Helen was born October 9, 1923 in Canton, Ohio to Syrian immigrants Mike and Maheeba Corey. They, in addition to her beloved Uncle Right Reverend George Ghannam and siblings Bob Corey & Catherine Corey Malooley (Abe) preceded her in death. Helen moved with her family to Terre Haute in the mid-40’s where she quickly became an active participant in civic, church, and political activities. She began her political career in 1948 as secretary to Mayor Ralph Tucker. This provided a platform and the connections for her to become active in the Indiana Democratic Party. In 1959 she was voted Indiana’s Outstanding Young Democratic Woman and in 1960 was part of Vigo County’s welcoming committee for presidential candidate JFK. In 1961 she became director of the Bureau of Women & Children in the Indiana Division of Labor. During this busy time of her life, she somehow found time to author one of the most influential cookbooks on Syrian food ever written. The Art of Syrian Cookery stayed in print for decades. Her political career blossomed as Helen was appointed executive secretary of the state’s Commission on the Status of Women. The next year she won the Democratic Party’s nomination to run for office and Helen was elected Recorder of the Indiana Supreme and Appellate Courts. The significance of her election as the first Arab American office holder was huge and paved the way for future generations. Helen’s life became filled with many friends from around the globe and her genuine hospitality endeared her to all. She was honored to be chosen for Council of Sagamore of the Wabash by the governor and won first place awards from the Indiana Women’s Press Club for her cookbooks. Proving unstoppable, Helen eventually started Corey Advertising Specialties once her political career ended.

Survivors include her loving nieces Cathy Azar (George) and Sandy Kassis of Terre Haute and Char Wade (Joe) of Indianapolis, all of whom she doted on with unwavering love; great nieces and nephews Kim Kassis Curley (Tim), Alan Kassis (Julie) and Billy Kassis, Alexis Green (Dustin) and Michelle Azar all of Terre Haute, Amber Moore (Nick), Anne Wade, Justin Wade (Georgeanna), Catherine Wade (Jerry) of Indianapolis and Corey Wade of East Bay, California as well as many great great nieces and nephews. Also her cousin Roberto Samann of Curitiba, Brazil, South America who was more like a brother than cousin.

Visitation will be held at St. George Orthodox Church, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. at which time services will begin followed by graveside services at Roselawn Cemetery. Immediate following, a mercy meal luncheon will be held at the Saratoga Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Church.

Her tombstone will reflect the kind of life she led and will read: “Blessed are the peacemakers,, for they shall be called the children of God. Matt: 5-9.12”