Helene Kolb Obituary

Helene Kolb, 87, passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2025.

Born on September 6, 1937, in what is now Slovenia to George Schutte and Fransika Jurkowitsch, Helene grew up on a family farm within the close-knit Gottscheer community. During World War II, she and her family were forced to flee their home, spending several years in Austria before immigrating to the United States through Ellis Island in 1951. She first lived in Brooklyn before settling in Queens, where she made her home in the same house for the past 54 years.

After high school, Helene worked a variety of jobs, including many years as a hairdresser. A talented seamstress and dressmaker, she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and created countless beautiful garments for herself and her family. She was also a gifted self-taught baker, known for her strudels, cakes and cookies that filled her home with warmth and love.

Helene enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing games, and never tired of a good crime drama. In her later years, she could often be found watching reruns of her favorite shows-Murder, She Wrote and Elementary-with undiminished interest.

Helene is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, George Kolb; her children, Erik (married to Brigitte Voelker) and Lisa (married to James Corcoran); her beloved grandchildren, Cailin, Jameson and Everest, who brought her immeasurable joy; and her brother, Herb Schutte. She was predeceased by her brother, Elko Schutte.

Helene will be remembered for her strength, independence, outspokenness and determination-qualities that carried her through a remarkable life journey. Though deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace.

In keeping with her wishes, no formal memorial service will be held at this time. A celebration of Helene's life is planned for family and friends in early September.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Go Red for Women, an initiative of the American Heart Association dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease and stroke as leading causes of death among women.

Private Cremation:
Fresh Pond Crematory
61-40 Mount Olivet Crescent
Middle Village, NY 11379
Tel: (718)821-9700