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.
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.

Unknown  – (Saturday, August 23, 2008)  

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

Unknown  – (Monday, August 25, 2008)  

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.

maria z  – (Monday, September 01, 2008)  

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.

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About this Blog

I sailed into Panormitis Bay, Symi, by chance one windy July day in 1993 and have been here ever since. The locals tell me that this is one of the miracles of St Michael of Panormitis. A BA graduate with majors in English, Philosophy and Classical Civilisation, the idea of living in what is to all intents and purposes an archaeological site appeals to me. Not as small as Kastellorizo, not as touristy as Rhodes, Symi is just the right size. I live on a small holding which my husband and I have reclaimed from a ruin of over-grazing and neglect and turned into a small oasis over the course of the past 22 years. I also work part-time for Symi Visitor Accommodation, helping independent travellers discover and enjoy Symi's simple pleasures for themselves.

This page is kindly sponsored by Wendy Wilcox, Symi Visitor Accommodation.


Adriana Shum

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