Gayle "Bamba" Helbig

Gayle K. Helbig, affectionately known as Bamba, passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 96. Born in Chicago, IL, she was the beloved daughter of the late George and Frances (Olson) Kauffman.

A 1946 graduate of Scotch Plains High School, Bamba went on to attend the Chicago Art Institute, where her love for creativity blossomed. Her passion for art and beauty was inspiring. She designed her own Christmas cards since 1950 and was also known for her "Bean Bag" totes, uniquely and personally designed with love and a hallmark of her artistic style.

Bamba's other passions were keeping her daily journals, her treasured Memory Books that captured both the everyday moments and special events in her life and of those that she loved.

She enjoyed the companionship of many dogs throughout her life and looked forward to hikes at Hacklebarney State Park in NJ along with other places and daily walks on the Chebeague Island beaches. Bamba was grateful that she was able to enjoy this routine for ninety- six years and was still walking with her faithful dog, Karma, by her side.

Bamba was the family Matriarch who welcomed everyone to her home with the biggest of hearts. She looked forward to their visits and seeing her children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren when they visited her on Chebeague Island. Family and friends gathered over the years and making special moments and everlasting memories.

She will be deeply missed by her three children, Colton Helbig, Steffan Helbig and wife, Janet, and Claudia Marty; her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Kirk Kauffman; and daughter in law, Judy Helbig. She is predeceased by her husband Christian, a son, Clayton Helbig; and siblings, Phyllis MacArthur, Joan Crosby, Keith Kauffman and Kent Kauffman.

A visitation will begin at 9:30 AM with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM on Saturday, March 14th at Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, 222 Washington St., East Greenville, PA 18041.