Helga Ives

BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP - Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, for Mrs. Helga Ives, 93, who died on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, at Heritage Manor, with her friends by her side.

Helga was born on March 17, 1922, in Italian Istria, on Mt. Beletich, which is named for her maternal family. She was the daughter of Giovanni and Giovanna (Beletich) de Agostini.

She was a graduate of the University of Naples Federico II, receiving a degree in the sciences. She was enrolled in medical school before being taken as a prisoner of war during the Nazi occupation of Italy during World War II. It was during the war that she met her husband, Lt. Col. David Scott Ives, whom she married on her birthday, March 17, 1946, in Foggia, Italy. She moved to the United States after her marriage and became a United States citizen, and settled in Youngstown after her husband accepted a position as associate professor of Classical Studies and English at The Youngstown College, now Youngstown State University.

Helga was a devoted wife and mother, who took pride in creating a welcoming home for her family and friends throughout her life. She was lifelong learner and a voracious reader. An engaging conversationalist, she would recall stories with vivid detail. Her spirit of adventure led her to visit over 46 countries during her lifetime. Additionally, she enjoyed knitting, sewing and cooking. With her husband, she was part of a group of faculty and spouses whose commitment and dedication to teaching and learning, helped to shape the growth of Youngstown State University. She was a life member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and was active in the auxiliary at the U.S. Air Force Reserve Base in Vienna. For many years, she was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, driving veterans and others to veterans' hospitals. She was a former member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and later attended the Zion Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David; her son, Sandor; her parents; and two sisters.

She leaves behind many beloved friends, locally, across the country, and around the world.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, where her husband is also buried.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Helga's honor, c/o Youngstown State University Foundation, 606 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.