Helena Katherine Titus

Helena Katherine Titus

Helena Katherine Titus passed away on April 5, 2008 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be missed immensely. At her request, services were privately held.

Helena was born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut. She grew up in a large family with one sister and five brothers, all of whom remained close throughout their lives. She graduated from Norwich Free Academy, as did her siblings, and she always remained loyal to the school.

After graduation, she enrolled in the Barbazon School of Modeling in New York City and proceeded to become a model. After moving to California in 1954, she modeled for Bullock’s Department Store and was a manufacturer’s model for the company that introduced “Jodphurs.” She was proud to be the first model to introduce this new fashion. Helena enjoyed this part of her life but eventually decided to focus on her family.

She did find time for philanthropy. Helena was devoted to her beloved Red Hill Lutheran Church, of which she was a member for fifty years. She was also a co-founder with her husband and sister-in-law of the USC Titus Department of Pharmacy. In addition, she devoted many years to the National Charity League and was Chairwoman of the NCL Debutante Ball in 1973.

Helena lived a rich and wonderful life with her family and friends. She loved her Lake Arrowhead home where she enjoyed entertaining and relaxing with family, friends and grandchildren. She was fortunate to have traveled the world with her family and often reminisced about those adventures being the happiest years of her life. For those who knew her well, Helena will be remembered mostly for her devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren whom she adored and who loved her unconditionally in return. As she got older, she said, “If I knew how much fun my life was going to be… I would have enjoyed it more and worried less.”

She will also be remembered for her amazing humor and courage. She was always upbeat and positive even throughout her 13 year battle with cancer. She fought a brave fight but God persuaded her that it was time to end the fight. When she came to accept that all she had left was her faith in God, she was ready for an eternal life of peace and happiness.

Before she passed away, Helena spoke about her best friend, Ann Dobbie, who passed away December 25, 1999 and how she looked forward to playing cards with her again. We are comforted in knowing that they are together again doing just that.

Helena is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 42 years, F. DeWight Titus III; children Damien (Vanessa) Bates, Pamela (Bruce) Nestande, Karen Amies; and grandchildren, Gabrielle and Francesca Nestande, and Avery and Griff Amies. She is also survived by her brother, James Dixon of Connecticut; and her sister, Elizabeth Winters of Winter Park, Florida.

“Mom, We Love you!... We Miss You! Remember to cut the deck!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Flower Power,” a charitable organization founded by her granddaughter, Francesca Nestande, which provides water wells to deprived villages in India. Donations should be mailed to 119 Via Jucar, Newport Beach, CA 92663.