Helyn May Elitzak

Helyn May Elitzak (Glamuzina) passed away on August 26, 2022, at the Grace’s Garden’s care facility in Santa Ana California at the age of 89. She was born on July 20, 1933, in Los Angeles, California to the late Peter and Kata Glamuzina (Hrstic). Growing up Helyn worked on her family’s farm in North Hollywood and enjoyed swimming in the neighbor’s irrigation pond. She was a very gifted athlete and played softball and sang in the Glee Club, while attending Van Nuys High School. Her senior year (Class of 51) Helyn was elected Class Secretary. Upon graduation from high school, Helyn informed her parents that she wanted to attend college. However, her parents encouraged her to enter the work force. She almost immediately landed a position as a clerk with The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

In 1955 Helyn met Deane Leon Davis while bowling in a city league. Helyn’s great athleticism proved invaluable to her teammates as she was instrumental in their winning multiple tournament championships by bowling several perfect games with a score of 300. Helyn and Deane fell in love and married in 1956. They had two daughters Denyse Toelkes (Patrick) of Santa Ana, CA, and Deborah Clausen (David) of Pleasanton, CA. Later the marriage ended in divorce. In 1967 Helyn married Marvin Elitzak creating a blended family, which now included Marvin’s son Jack (Melissa) of Huntington Beach CA and daughter Judy Anderson (Tom) of Houston Texas. Helyn continued to work for Prudential, and steadily rose through the ranks. She retired in 1994 at the position of branch office manager in Lake Forest, CA after 38 years of dedicated service. Helyn was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. She was devoted to her faith and family, she attended Bible studies, enjoyed shopping for clothes, reading, gardening, sports, all kinds of music and was a superb cook.

Helyn is survived by her daughters Denyse, Deborah and Judy and her son Jack, granddaughters Jill Harmon (Sean) of Lakewood, WA, Jennifer Bernhardt (Matt) of Huntington Beach, CA, Mackenzie Columbus (Michael) of Houston, Texas, Kendyl Clausen (Nathan) of San Diego, CA. Grandsons Michael Elitzak (Nicole) of Huntington Beach, CA, Kegan Anderson of Houston, Texas, Peter and Joseph Toelkes of Santa Ana, CA and five great grandchildren Spencer, Camryn, Avery, Autumn, and Nathan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 40 years Marvin, sisters Ann, Mary, and Rosalee, and brothers Harvey and John, brothers-in-law Kenneth Schaeffers, Ray George, and Horton Johnson.

2 Corinthians 9:11 says; “you will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God”. Helyn taught us about generosity simply by living her daily life.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM September 16, 2022, at Fairhaven Memorial Park Chapel, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705. Graveside services and a reception will follow the Mass.