Obituaries

Helene Link Dreibelbis, age 97 of Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, passed away on July 25, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Helene was born in Norwood, Ohio in her family’s home on April 24, 1929.

Helene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edwin Joseph Dreibelbis; her daughter, Barbara Dreibelbis; her parents, John Frederick Link and Helen Nast Link; and her sister, Dorothy Hazel.

She is survived by her two daughters, Susan (Edward O’Connell) Dreibelbis, Annette (Chuck Berberich, Jr) Dreibelbis; grandchildren, Sara Dreibelbis, Paige (Justin Downey) O’Connell, Cameron O’Connell, and Chase Berberich; her siblings, Henrietta Schwartz and David Link; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Uhrichsville High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University.

Following graduation from Case Western Reserve, she married Master Sergeant Edwin J. Dreibelbis. While he completed his active duty in the U.S. Army, she began their married life in Sabillasville, Maryland, where she worked at the Victor Cullen Center, a specialized hospital caring for patients with tuberculosis at a time when effective antibiotics had not yet been developed. Her work required extraordinary courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to caring for those facing a disease that was often both contagious and fatal.

When the long commute became more than either of them wished to endure, she joined Edwin in Cincinnati and began her career at the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital. She later stepped away from professional life to devote herself fully to raising their three spirited, energetic and precocious daughters.

After dedicating several years to raising her family, she returned to social work, first conducting nursing home inspections before joining The Salvation Army. There, she devoted herself to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and helping battered women and children find safety, hope, and the opportunity to build new lives. Her compassion, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to those in need earned her the affectionate name of “Mrs. D.” throughout the community.

She later joined Booth Hospital, where she provided compassionate care and steadfast support to patients and their families in the aftermath of the Air Canada Flight 797 disaster at the Greater Cincinnati Airport. Her ability to bring comfort during life’s most difficult moments reflected the deep empathy and quiet strength that defined her career.

She concluded her distinguished career where it had begun—at the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital—once again serving our nation’s veterans as a renal social worker and later as a supervisor of social workers. Her leadership, professional expertise, and unwavering kindness earned the admiration of colleagues and the gratitude of the veterans and families whose lives she touched. In recognition of her exceptional service and extraordinary ability to provide comfort and emotional support, she received the Hands and Heart Award. Her dedication to caring for others never wavered, and she remained committed to her profession until retiring at the remarkable age of 79.

Retirement marked the beginning of another fulfilling chapter of Helene’s life. She remained active in her church, where she lovingly knitted prayer shawls that brought comfort and encouragement to those facing illness or hardship. She enjoyed traveling, treasured time spent with friends, and delighted in gathering with her daughters, grandchildren, and extended family. Whether sharing stories around the table, celebrating life’s milestones, or simply enjoying each other’s company, she found her greatest joy in the people she loved.

Above all else, Helene was the heart of her family. Her unwavering love, generous spirit, and steadfast faith shaped the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed every day and lovingly remembered always by her family and countless friends.

A visitation for Helene will be held on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, at Immanuel Church (2551 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park, KY 41017) from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. Burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Helene’s life of compassion and service, memorial gifts may be made to the charitable organization of your choice in her memory.