Nondas Daigger

January 23, 1918 - November 29, 2010
Nondas Daigger

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NONDAS RUTH HELM DAIGGER, 92, passed away on Monday , November 29, 2010 at New Hanover Regional Hospital in Wilmington, NC.

Nondas was born 1918 in Joplin, Mo. and attended Joplin High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated 5th in class of 336 in 1935. She graduated from Chillicothe Business in 1936. She was employed in Joplin at the Junge Baking Company and the Joplin Chamber of Commerce prior to moving to Lafayette, Indiana in 1949.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Hazel McDaniel, and her first husband, Armand L. Helm. She married George J. Daigger in Lafayette in 1960.

She worked at GTE in Lafayette until 1956 at which point they moved their regional office to Ft. Wayne, IN. She then started her fantastic career with Purdue University in 1956. She rose through the years to Administrative Assistant to the Vice President and Treasurer of Purdue, retiring in 1983 after 27 years there.

Nondas was a 59 year member of Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, a former deacon, and an Honorary Life Membership in NPW, Presbyterian Church, USA. As a member and Past President of the Lafayette Business and Professional Women’s Club, she was awarded “Woman of the Year” in 1965. She was a member and past board member of: St. Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary, YWCA,General de Lafayette Chapter,National Society Daughters of the American Revolution(DAR), Home Hospital Auxiliary, and National Society Colonial Dames.

She is survived by her husband, George J. Daigger, Jr.,Son Robert(Bob) W. Helm, Sr. and wife Mary of Wilmington; two grandchildren, Theresa Helm Eason and Robert(Rob) Helm, Jr.;3 great grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth and Samuel Joseph Eason, and Ryan W. Helm.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • December 09, 2010
    Carla Peters Smith says:
    I am the daughter of George Peters, cousin of Nondas. I can remember going to visit Aunt Hazel in Lafayette and meeting Nondas then. She had our family over to her house for dinner one night and I remember her taking us on a tour of Purdue University (I was about 8 years old at the time). The last time I saw her was when she visited Little Rock and she came with Mother and Daddy to my house for a get together (I think it was Easter). I always have thought of Nondas as a very regal lady, but in a very kind way. I always admired her very much. Carla Smith

  • December 09, 2010
    George Peters, Jr. says:
    Dear Bob, As I mentioned in earlier correspondence, I very much appreciated your mother, and based on her accomplishments listed in the obituary, was justifiably impressed with her as a child. I am saddened by the news of her passing, but am so glad to have known her. George Peters, Jr.

  • December 05, 2010
    Terry Helm Eason says:
    My Grandmother Nondas was a wonderful woman and a terrific Grandma. Even though she lived far from us, we saw her every year and she did a great job of staying in touch with us with many cards,letters and phone calls. She never forgot a birthday or important occasion. She was interested in genealogy, and Im very thankful she passed along much family history and ancestor photographs to me. She accomplished much in her life, especially in regards to being a single mother and raising my Dad on her own. She made sure she was able to send him to college and made many sacrifices. I'm so thankful and blessed to have been her granddaughter. She will be missed greatly, but I'm thankful she no longer is suffering the devastating effects of Alzheimers.

  • December 13, 2010
    Eva Bakalekos says:
    Hi, I am George and Ouida Peters Daughter, Eva Bakalekos, and I just wanted you to know how sorry I am Nondas has passed. When I saw her picture here she looked exactly as I remembered her when we visited her last in about 1969 or so. She was such a gracious person, and we will always remember her with good memories. We will be in prayers for you and your family, in this Christmas season, when we are reminded of all God's gifts, not the least of which, is, of course, our family and how we cherish them, before and after their life here on earth. Eva Bakalekos ( and James)

  • December 01, 2010
    Mona & Larry says:
    Bob and family, Our deepest sympathies go out to you, Mary Lou and your family. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Love, Mona (and Larry)