Helen Elizabeth (Price) DeStephano

Helen, affectionately known as "Nana" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, in Houston, TX, at the age of 93. Born on September 14, 1930, in Jacksonville, FL, Helen was a witty, caring, delightful woman, and a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Paul DeStephano and Catherine DeStephano, and granddaughter Misty DeStephano, and great grandchildren Travis Haynes, Chyanne Haynes, and Rylee DeStephano. She is also survived by her granddaughter Angela Sheffield, and husband Sam, along with their children Sam Jr and Charlotte Rose of Jacksonville, FL, and grandson Alan, Jr, his wife Renee, and two daughters, Vera and Nora, of Myrtle Beach, SC, as well as Helen’s granddaughter Rachael DeStephano.

Helen was preceded in death by her son, Alan DeStephano and daughter, Alfreda DeStephano and her beloved husband, Alfred "Alfie," who passed away in 2001. Helen and Alfie met and fell in love in Syracuse, New York, where they married and raised a family. Alfie, at one time, owned the iconic Jefferson Clinton downtown Syracuse hotel, now known as the Best Western, renowned for its whimsical rubber ducky surprise on guests' bathroom towels. Helen was warmly welcomed into Alfie’s large, close-knit Italian family and learned to cook from authentic Italian grandmothers who spoke no English and used no recipes. Her Italian cuisine became legendary and her love of cooking became a hallmark of her life. In Syracuse, Helen and Alfie enjoyed classical music, playing cards, and attending horse races.

After Alfie’s passing in 2001, Helen returned to Florida, making many friends and enjoying the warm climate. Another love of her life was the Catholic Church. After converting to Catholicism at the time of her marriage, the church became very important to Helen and she remained a devoted Catholic throughout her life. Helen always kept her rosary close and adorned her walls with a crucifix and her shelf with numerous cherished statues of Mary. She was a devoted caretaker to many of her neighbors and continued this dedication into her 90s when she moved to Houston to be closer to her son.

During the past few years of her time in Houston, many of us have had the privilege of getting to know Helen better and growing deeply fond of her presence. It has been a true blessing to spend time with her and experience her warmth firsthand. We will deeply miss hearing her affectionate greeting of "Hi Doll." Her warm and endearing way of saying it was a cherished part of our interactions. Though she is no longer with us, we will always hold the sweetness of her voice and the fond memories close to our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Helen’s life at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Houston on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A private family gathering in Syracuse, NY, will be scheduled and announced at a later date.