Helen H. Willette

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 16, 1929, she attended Steinmetz High School in West Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Chicago. In 1953, Helen married Edward Willette and relocated to Carmel, N.Y. in 1957. The mother of two was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, and her daughter, Pamela Willette Cruickshank, of Bellevue, Washington.

The beloved elementary teacher taught grades 4 and 5 for 25 years at the Kent Elementary and George Fisher Middle schools in Carmel, N.Y., where she and her husband raised their children. Many of her students stayed in touch with her over the years. After retirement, in 1991, the Willette’s relocated to Sarasota, Fla., where they built a house and lived for more than 30 years. In 2022, after her husband passed away, Mrs. Willette moved to Gahanna near her son and his wife. A naturally resilient person, Mrs. Willette adjusted well to her new lifestyle, and enjoyed a few good years of painting, singing in the choir, playing bridge and socializing with her friends at the Story Point Independent Living Center in Gahanna, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. She and her husband were avid travelers, visiting China, SE Asia, South and Central America, Israel, Africa and many excursions to Europe. She frequently returned to one of her favorite places, Paris, France. Always the educator, Mrs. Willette enjoyed encouraging people to do their best, from her students to family and friends. She enjoyed welcoming her family when they visited her in Sarasota, making holiday and family dinners special, and whipping up everyone’s favorites. They were active members of the local Methodist Church in Sarasota. She is survived by her son Brad (Mary) of Gahanna, Ohio; son-in-law Doug Cruickshank of Bellevue, Washington; grandchildren Meredith Willette White (Ben) of Broomall, Pennsylvania; Lauren Lang (Chris) of Issaquah, Washington; and Scott Cruickshank (Harlie) of Snohomish, Washington; and great-grandchildren Evelyn, Cedric, Juliette, Sawyer and Sadie. She will be missed by all who knew her. A Graveside Service is planned at the Sarasota National Veterans Cemetery, where her husband is buried. A future date to be determined.