Reluctantly, I’d sign up for an aerobics class at the Jewish Community Center in Trotwood every once in a while, but I never lasted more than a few sessions.
Then, suddenly, it was different. Our instructor was Koe Hemmelgarn: tall and beautiful with her fabulous smile and adorable personality, and she made exercise so much fun that I actually began to look forward to showing up. As we stepped — it was step aerobics — we’d talk about life and our kids, and the best deals at the Salem Mall. We couldn’t stop laughing, and pretty soon the hour was over.
Koe was an exception in other ways: She was one of the few instructors who didn’t spend the hour staring at the mirror to see how cute she looked in her workout clothes. (And boy, she did!)
She was interested in each of us — in our lives, our families, our jobs. When she was pregnant with her third child, she still kept teaching our class because we were her favorite. In retrospect, I’m thinking she probably told that to all of her classes and all of her students probably believed it because she made everyone feel special and loved. I remember how excited she was when she and her husband decided to build a house and bought a lot in Vandalia.
After our exercise classes ended, our paths would cross periodically. Koe didn’t require makeup to look gorgeous, but she knew how to apply it, and she worked for Lancome at Elder-Beerman for many years. She’d go from store to store training the make-up artists, and when I bumped into her in the cosmetics department, she’d come running to embrace me with her big bear hug and that wonderful smile.
When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, Koe remained her upbeat self, always interested in helping others. She became involved and active in the Noble Circle project, a support group that provides alternative healing and free weekend retreats to cancer survivors. At the organization’s annual Wear Affair luncheon and style show, Koe was always a knock-out — the model who looked like she’d been born on a runway and who knew how to show off the most striking clothing and accessories with pizazz.
Recently I saw Jean Smith, the fashion stylist who coordinates the Noble Circle show each year. We’d both heard that Koe wasn’t doing well.
“She’s as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside,” said Jean. No one could disagree.
Koe was artistic, too, designing and making lovely beaded bracelets and necklaces, many adorned with a tiny pink or teal ribbon. She made at least 150 friendship bracelets for her Noble Circle sisters — one for each of the women who completed the special program. Those of us fortunate enough to own a Koe creation will wear it forever, I’m certain.
Surrounded by loving family, Koe Hemmelgarn died peacefully Monday, Oct. 26, at the age of 49, a victim of the cancer she gave so many others the courage to face. She will be deeply missed.
Contributions in Koe’s memory can be made to the Noble Circle Project, www.NobleCircle.org.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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