Helen Mariam Laub

Helen Mariam Laub (nee Herz), a devoted mother and grandmother, of Kettering, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly May 15, 2024 at the age of 66.  She was born January 21, 1958, in New York, New York.

While pursuing her bachelor's degree in English at St. John's University in New York, Helen met the love of her life, Salah Ismail. After their courtship, the couple was married on May 26, 1979, at the campus chapel. Helen was a devoted mother and spent her time raising her children as well as working with her husband's businesses until his passing. After the passing of her husband, Helen moved to Ohio in 1992 to be close to her sister Catherine and to raise her four children.  In addition to raising her children, Helen was a substitute teacher for many years in Hillsboro Ohio. After moving to Dayton Ohio, she achieved a Paralegal degree and worked as a Paralegal Assistant. While Helen did remarry, the later part of her life was devoted solely to her faith, and she spent her time supporting and participating in all aspects of her church and congregation. She will always be remembered as a woman who could (and would) talk to anyone, never shy to make a new connection and create new friendships. She was a kind, strong woman who loved to read and learn about everything around her. She took a deep pride and joy in being a mother and grandmother and loved to cook for her family and friends. Her spinach pie was must for every holiday and get-together.

Helen was preceded in death by: parents, J. Robert and Helen A. (nee Torbush) Herz; and husband, Salah Ismail.

Helen is survived by: children, Yasmine (Shawn) Daulton, Mounia (Adam) Rankin, Sherif (Cherene Spires) Ismail, and Terek Kelly; grandchildren, Kadin Daulton, Julian Daulton, Nora Rankin, Ella Rankin, Kate Rankin, Caroline Rankin, Jax Rankin, Lucas Ismail, and Isla Ismail; siblings, Catherine (Michael) Bach, Warren (Helen Pritsiolas) Herz, and Susan (Tom) Veale; and many loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with the Rosary at 7:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.

Requiem Mass will be Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:25 AM at St. Gertrude the Great RC Church, 4900 Rialto Road, West Chester, Ohio 45069.  Interment will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45409.

Memorial donations may be directed to: Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402 or to St. Gertrude the Great RC Church.

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.