Obituary: Helen Lavonne Haddad, 89

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Helen Lavonne Haddad, 89, went home to be with her Lord and Savior the evening of January 26, 2022, in Columbus, In. Helen was born July 9, 1932, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, the daughter of Bertie Elizabeth and J.B. Chandler. She was a graduate from Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, received a scholarship for voice and Music from Tulsa University, graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in Music Education with an English Minor. Music was one of her life-long passions. She began singing in the choir at the age of twelve and continued singing most of her life. She sang on the Ed Sullivan Show while in college with the Oklahoma University Quartet as well as the Robert Shaw Corral TV program. Helen received an honorary Associate of Science in College and Community Service from Ivy Tech Community College.

She married Bob Haddad Sr. July 10, 1954. They lived in Japan, while Bob was in the Air Force, then moved back to the states 1957. Helen, Bob and their four children relocated to Columbus in 1973.

She joined North Christian Church (NCC) in 1973, singing for 30 plus years in the North Christian Choir as well as performing as a soloist in various church and community performances. She was a NCC Deacon, President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, and the Worship and Sacred Arts Chair. She taught Sunday school, sang in Madrigals, and performed with the Bell Choir.

Helen loved the Arts, acting as the Executive Director for ProMusica, which is now the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic (CIP). Her passion for music education was evident in her longtime support, particularly Music Education at the CIP. She acted as the Education Director for ProMusica, developing what as is now the Strings Program. She Chaired the UnCommon Cause Auction, was instrumental in merging the Driftwood Valley Arts Council and Commons Board creating what is now the Columbus Area Arts Council. She was awarded the Mayor’s Arts Award in 2002 and nominated for The Republic’s Woman of the Year in 2003. She along Bob Sr. received the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 2021 and were members of the IU Foundation’s President’s Circle. Helen was considered a leader in Columbus, making it what it is today, and was often referred to as a visionary motivator.

She was a philanthropist for numerous organizations with her financial support as well as her personal leadership: some of which include Riley Children’s Hospital, CICC, IU Foundation, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and The Orchard School, University High School, Park Tudor School, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, Just Friends Adult Day Care at Mill Race Center, Indianapolis and Columbus Children’s Choirs, Ivy Tech, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, the Heritage Fund and the Harrison Center for the Arts.

Helen was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority, PEO, Bookmark Club, Culture Club, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Columbus, Grandview Garden Club, and the United Arts Fund. She was a ferocious reader, serving as the Vice President, and then President of the Bartholomew County Library Association.

Most of all, Helen loved spending time with family, cherishing her four children, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her devoted husband Bob Haddad Sr.; children, Tammy (Bob) Burton, Bob (Pam) Haddad Jr., Tracy Haddad, Hayden Bishop; grandchildren, Chris (Dominee) Burton, Brandon (Tonya) Burton, Courtney Burton, Radley (Arielle) Haddad, Griffin Haddad, Chandler (Nicole) Troy, Tyler (Jenny) Troy, Ethan (Amanda) Troy, McClain, and Kendall Bishop; great-grandchildren, Nash, Knox, Royce and Lincoln Burton, Gus Burton, Hudson and Holden Burton, Haylee and McKenzie Acton, Cora Haddad, William, Eleanor and Alex Troy, Kinley Jennings, and Lillian Fullenkamp.

A private family service will be held with a celebration of life to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Helen made to the Cancer Support Community Central Indiana or the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.