Helene Ingrand - A Loyal Friend
We are sorry to report the untimely passing of Helene Ingrand, better known as Grand Helene and Megali Eleni to her many friends here on the island of Symi. She passed away in her home at Mavrovouni, Symi at 18.05 on 14 August, 2008 from a massive pulmonary embolism, a complication of the Guillain Barre Syndrome from which she suffered for the last weeks of her life.
A colourful personality, once met and never forgotten, she was an enthusiastic participant in the year-round life of the island, whether it was picking olives and testing lemoncello recipes or packing summer picnics to share with friends on remote beaches. She lived her life with style and aplomb and found great pleasure in the simple things. She was an exceptional hostess and a loyal friend.
A colourful personality, once met and never forgotten, she was an enthusiastic participant in the year-round life of the island, whether it was picking olives and testing lemoncello recipes or packing summer picnics to share with friends on remote beaches. She lived her life with style and aplomb and found great pleasure in the simple things. She was an exceptional hostess and a loyal friend.
We shall miss her.
Our sympathies to her sisters and to her daughter, Iris, as well as all her friends in Paris and around the world.
Posts
I shall miss Grande Eleni poking her head in my kitchen window, regularly as the rain would come, she would comment on the tea pot, normally still warm from the last brew and sitting on the shelf in the window ledge.
Eleni, one of few, that saw the beauty in that dented and damaged bit of old servant’s pewter, and the stories it could tell.
The pot has just made a very English brew, and I raise my breakfast mug to her, my neighbour and friend.
Lisa
La grande Hélène avait compris, le jour où elle accosta à Symi pour la première fois, qu'elle n'était pas née helene par hasard.
Elle y a trouvé la douceur et les excès et le retsine dont nous avons abusé avec délices. Et de tant d'autres choses, sans nuances, mot absent de son vocabulaire.
Mais le style et le chic étaient ses marques.
Définitivement, l'imparfait ne lui va pas.
Elisa, from Paris.
I MET HELEN HER LAST THREE WEEKS OF HER LIFE, THE FIRST DAY SHE WAS TRANSFERED TO RHODES HOSPITAL.IT WAS A"LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT"! AFTER TWO DAYS I WAS MORE THAN SURE I MET A FRIEND OF A LIFE.WHEN I CALL HER ON THE 16TH OF AUGUST, HER FRIEND NICOLAS TOLD ME.. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE AT SYMI FOR ME.. SEE YOU AT NANU BAY, HELEN.
LOVE MARIA.