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Joan Hellmann

November 22, 2009 12:36 am

Joan Brunskill Hellmann died peacefully at home in Charlottesville on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009.

She was born Sept. 8, 1922, in Lancaster, England, the daughter of J.E.M. Brunskill and Margaret Brunskill. Joan graduated from Bedford High School for Girls in England.

After living in Cairo, Egypt, for many years, she served as an employee of the British Foreign Office and the U.S. State Department during World War II. In Italy Joan met her husband of 63 years, Lt. Col. Jacob G. Hellmann, while serving with the State Department. She was a devoted Army wife and mother of three children. In later years she was an accomplished quilter, winning numerous awards.

She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include one brother, J.M.L. Brunskill of Warwickshire, England; two daughters, Jane M. Papadopolis of Sparks, Nev., and Elizabeth S. Lychenheim of Ellicott City, Md.; one son, Peter J. Hellmann of Schuyler; and four grandchildren, Dorian Papadopolis, Teresa Papadopolis, Sara Lychenheim and Jacob A. Hellmann.

Joan was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church in Spotsylvania County.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund, Christ Episcopal Church, 8951 Courthouse Road, Box 94, Spotsylvania, Va. 22553.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at The Church of Our Saviour in Charlottesville.

Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneral home.com.