Helen M. (Heinze) Kalmbach, 78, of Canton, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. Born on July 30, 1947, in Sayre, Helen Marie was the daughter of the late Ira Dean and Edna (Weisbrod) Heinze. She attended Troy Area Schools and proudly graduated with the Class of 1965. On June 12, 1971, she married her soulmate, Edwin Kalmbach, in the Granville Church of Christ. Together they shared 48 years of devoted marriage until Edwin's passing in 2019.

Helen worked for many years as a produce manager at Tops Markets in both Canton and Troy, retiring after a long and dedicated career. She was a member of the Grover Church of Christ.

A gifted cook, Helen found joy in preparing meals for those she loved. Though naturally quiet and reserved, she was warm, outgoing, and deeply connected with her family and close friends. Above all, she cherished time spent with her loved ones, especially her grandson, who was the light of her life.

Helen leaves behind her daughter; Emily Collins and grandson; Ehren Collins, both of Cleveland, Ohio, siblings; Ruth Ann Hufford of Raliegh, NC, James Heinze of Canton and Robert (Brenda) Heinze of Raliegh, NC, brother-in-law; Robert Paris of Grover, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by a brother; Al Dean Heinze, sister; Dorothy Paris, brother-in-law; George Hufford and a son-in-law; Timothy Collins in 2025.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton. A funeral service to honor the life of Helen will follow at 11. Afterwards the interment will be held in the Beech Flats Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Helen Kalmbach's name may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.  Memories of Helen and condolences to her family may be shared at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.