Helen Shimbo

Memorial

Mementos

Helen Shimbo passed away on September 16, 2019 after a brave battle with cancer. Helen is from Chicago's South Side near the University of Chicago. Through sacrifice and hard work, she made her way from Chicago to Cornell University and to research positions in CA, NY and Washington DC. Helen developed and founded an engineering group with TedX style events across the country, which continues today. She volunteered her time for many years with various groups including at a maker space and a shelter for the homeless. Helen enjoyed swimming. Helen led by example and inspired others to improve themselves. Helen was a dear and sincere friend and had a significant positive impact on many lives. Helen believed we should work hard to make each day a special day, treat each other fairly and help one another whenever possible. Her pointed sense of humor and warm personality will be sorely missed. Helen is survived by her husband Jason, brothers Paul and David, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews and her loving friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Network, a useful resource for those afflicted. Condolences can be mailed to PO Box 32162, Washington, DC 20007.

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Helen’s life with a heartfelt message.

Jason Ware

Helen had a very warm and playful side. She gave the best hugs and we playfully teased each other every day. We shared secrets and troubles. We comforted each other and grew together. Helen and I were best friends! We had many adventures and travels together. DC-NYC-Chicago-San Francisco-Paris and more… Photos below: 1) Walking in Georgetown, DC 2) NYC near Times Square 3) Dumbarton Oaks Museum in DC 4) Union Station to catch a train to NYC 5) Chicago adventure to drive back across country 6) Stanford University 7) Maker Space at Georgetown University 8) Helen painting in an art class at the Georgetown library 9) Helen in her 30s

Published September 15th, 2023

Jason Ware

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Published September 28th, 2021

Simona Puiu

Published December 7th, 2019

Jason Ware

Every day I come across a reminder of how Helen helped me in my life. Whether it was professional advice or organizing my stuff, Helen was a loving and supporting wife. I am forever grateful. I miss Helen's practical approach to life, her guidance, her jokes, her laugh, her drawings, her cards… all the thousands of ways she shared her life with me and made me feel special. Thank you! Helen's friends remain connected through her; we stay in touch, visit each other and share cherished memories.

Published September 15th, 2023

Jason Ware

Helen was an incredible person with a depth of knowledge and experience. She was humble and worked hard to be fair and understanding. Helen was not shy from sharing her opinion on many subjects, but she also was open minded and considered other points of view. I learned a lot from Helen and grew as a person in many ways because of her. Helen and I had a happy life together. We supported each other in many ways and we took a genuine interest in each other's projects/activities. Helen was very patient with me. We shared our interests and enjoyed visiting with friends, repair projects, travel, volunteering, art projects, attending museums and concerts and organizing events (Engineer Panel, MIT Enterprise Forum). We valued our friendships and we appreciated the time we got to spend with each of you. Helen will live on in my heart.

Published June 28th, 2020