Obituaries

Michael “Mike” Leslie Helfand, age 71, of Drummond Island, Michigan, passed away on December 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on April 12, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Samuel and Helen (Wiggins) Helfand.

Mike married his wife Melody on November 29, 1996, on Drummond Island, and she joined him
in owning and operating The Gourmet Galley, Drummond Island Fudge and Confectionery, and
their other various businesses, initially established in 1988.

Mike especially loved cooking for customers and family, developing new recipes, designing and
creating model train sets, and rearranging and restructuring the layout of their store.

Mike was a brilliant, innovative entrepreneur who always had several irons in the fire. Mike’s
passion for seeking to bring new things to Drummond Island was ongoing.

Remaining to cherish Mike’s memory are his wife, Melody; stepchildren, Joshua Deal and
Bethany (fiancé Jeff Burton) Deal; and his close, beloved friends (you know who you are).

Preceding Mike in death are his parents, Samuel and Helen Helfand; and his sister, Sherry
Pieper.

In the Spring, there will be a Celebration of Life. The location, date, and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made in the form of contributions to
Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to
the family at www.familylifefh.com.