Helen Letizia

Helen Virginia Brown Letizia of Mansfield, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at MedCentral Mansfield following a brief illness. Helen was born October 21, in Chillicothe, Ohio to former Chillicothe Mayor Harold H. Brown and Erie Cook Brown. She married Thomas V. Letizia on November 24, 1951. A graduate of Chillicothe High School, Helen graduated with honors from Capital University where she was a distinguished member of the University Chapel Choir. She attended graduate school at Ohio State University, Kent State University, and Ashland College.

Helen dedicated her life to public school education, with over 45 years of teaching young people. She began her teaching career with the Chillicothe Public Schools, where she taught vocal music, was a vocal music supervisor, and coached boys' basketball. Upon her arrival in Mansfield in 1951, Helen began teaching music at John Simpson Junior High. She later taught 6th grade at Roseland Elementary and Sherman Elementary. Helen was the recipient of the "Martha Holden Jennings Scholar" Award in 1968-1969. Upon her retirement, she continued to work with children by volunteering at Lexington Central Elementary.

Helen was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Phi Beta, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Son's of Italy, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She served on scholarship committees for the Grand Lodge of Ohio –Sons of Italy, Mansfield Lodge- Sons of Italy and the American Legion Post #16. She was also a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Helen was an avid fan of Ohio State football and basketball, but her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas V. Letizia; three daughters, Marianna Letizia Brown Steve, Nancy Letizia Shear, and Barbara Letizia Ross Kyle; four grandchildren, Stefanie Brown Kellenberger Kevin, Carly Brown, Jordan Shear, and Alayna Ross. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Erie Cook Brown and brothers, Howard Russell Brown and Lt. Colonel Glenn O. Brown.

Friends may call Friday, February 18, 2011 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:00 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in care of Thomas Letizia, to be used to purchase books for the John Sherman Elementary School library.