Helen Glines Kohut, formerly of Belle Mead, New Jersey, died Monday, April 4, 2022 at 101 years old. She passed away at her son’s home in Savannah, Georgia, with her loved ones by her side.

Born in New Brunswick, NJ, July 3, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Irene Glines. 

In 1944, Helen graduated from St. Peter’s School of Nursing, New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was instructed by the Gray Nuns of Montreal. While there, she received excellent training and instruction. After graduation, she began working as a public health nurse visiting patients in their homes. Helen enjoyed her work and helping others. 

Helen married Albert Kohut on January 25, 1947. They had three children together. The Kohuts purchased an old countryside home on 4 acres and for many years worked to restore it to its original beauty. 

Some of Helen’s accomplishments included being a school nurse at the then Columbus Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey where her son, Christopher, was a student.

In 1964, Helen successfully battled breast cancer. Then in 1972, Helen founded a program called ENCORE. The program helped women recover physically and emotionally from breast cancer surgery and treatment by giving them a place to talk and ask questions in a supportive environment. Fifty years later, it’s still a successful program designed to help women regain strength and mobility after breast cancer. ENCORE became nationally and internationally recognized in 1977. She also studied Psychology at Princeton University to further her education.

From a child, Helen's passion was ballet. She took instruction from the New York City Ballet as well as from other teachers. Helen always used it as her outlet and personal exercise routine. For over forty years, with her love of dance, she taught adults and children alike. 

Helen enjoyed swimming, tennis, sailing with Albert, touring Europe by bicycle, art, classical music, and lastly, patio chats with friends and Chardonnay. 

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Albert C. Kohut, sisters Margaret Filigera and Barbara De Lanoy, brothers Charles and Robert Glines. 

Helen is survived by her children, Jane-Kohut Bartels (Fred) of Atlanta, Georgia, David Charles Horace Kohut (Kay) of Bloxom, Virginia, and Christopher Robin Kohut (Ellen) of Savannah, Georgia. 

Grandchildren: Eve Miles, Justin (Michelle) Kohut, Sarah Harrell (James), Christopher Bartels, and Samuel Kohut. 

Great Grandchildren: David, Emma, and Abigail Miles; Kaycee and Tasha Kohut; Ellen, Ruth, and Michael Harrell. 

Her visitation will take place at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel on Tuesday, April 12th 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to BCRC at the YWCA in Princeton, New Jersey (formerly known as the ENCORE program) 

Donations can be made directly through our YWCA Princeton website at:

https://www.ywcaprinceton.org/donate/

To ensure donations are directed to the BCRC (originally known as ENCORE) donors should select the Breast Cancer Resource Center under the “Where do you want to direct your impact” drop down menu option. 

Then below that they should check the box “This gift is in honor, memory, or support of” and add “Helen Kohut” * in the box below that.

Checks can also be made payable to “YWCA Princeton” with a note on the check saying

“BCRC/Helen Kohut” * and mailed to:

YWCA Princeton 

59 Paul Robeson Place

Princeton, NJ 08540

The family would like to thank Margie Williams, Sharon Reid and Sara Hamilton for their love and excellent care for Helen.

In her final days, Helen made her peace with God.