Helene Fitell

Helene Fitell, 93, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. Helene was born on October 22, 1922 in New York City and has been a long time resident of San Antonio. A member of Temple Beth-El.

Helene was a feisty little lady with a big attitude and determination who believed in helping others, her country and volunteering civically. Having the need to help in some way during World War II whether big or small, she became a pen pal to soldiers fighting abroad and defending our country. It was during this time, as a pen pal, that she met her husband of 65 years, Sam. Sam was also stationed abroad and became one of her pen pals. Sam came back from the war and proposed to Helene. She was such a tough little lady that Sam, being almost six feet tall and her barely five feet, told him that she would not marry him unless he went to school and got an education. Well, Sam really loved her because he headed straight to college, got himself an education, became an accountant and earned her love. They married shortly after and lived a very happy life together till the end. Sam predeceased her in 2011. While living in New York, Helene became active in Women's American ORT.

After retiring to San Antonio, Helene volunteered for many years at elementary schools mentoring young children in reading, drawing great satisfaction from the relationships, she was able to establish with these young students. Helene was an accomplished artist using the ancient technique of Cloisonne; which is a process that she modified so she would not need to create inlays or wire soldering.

Helen Fitell is survived by her children, Bruce Fitell and wife, Maria, Andrea Hoffman and husband, Jeffrey; grandchildren, Michael and Judy Witkin, Lisa Erez Sharoni, Stacy and Jason Bruce, Jeremy and Larissa Hoffman; great-grandchildren, Michaela, Stella and Liza. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.

Rabbi Mara Nathan will officiate with internment at the Beth-El Memorial Park on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. graveside.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 12672 Silicon Drive, Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78249 or Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Pl., San Antonio, TX 78212.