Rita Teresa McNamara Helms

Rita Teresa (McNamara) Helms peacefully departed this life on Monday November 9, 2015 at the age of 93. Born in Philadelphia, PA on December 20, 1921, he was the youngest of 11 children born to John and Mary Brigid McNamara, all of which preceded her in death.

Shortly after graduating High School in Philadelphia she and her sister, Anna, relocated to Southern California where she resided until her death.

Rita was united in marriage to Richard Dean Helms on November 8, 1947, who preceded her in death on August 3, 1993. Together they raised four children: Diane Helms of Aliso Viejo, Richard Helms of Lake Isabella, Susan Boyce of Temecula, and Peggy Burdick of Westlake Village. Although Rita worked outside the home for a period of time, her proudest accomplishment was being a loving mother and devoted wife.

A devout Catholic, her faith in God and love of family was her compass throughout her life’s journey. As a parishioner of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Westchester for more than 50 years, the love for her parish was second only to the love she had for her family.

In addition to her children, she is survived by three grandchildren: Teresa Boyce Reatherford of Christiana, TN, Dana Boyce of Temecula, CA, and Daniel Helms of Westchester, CA. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren.

Everyone who met Rita instantly loved her. She was always glad to open her home and heart to anyone in need. Although she was very soft spoken, the strength, values, and love of life she possessed is evident in the family she leaves behind.

There will be a Vigil on Monday, November 16, 2015 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Mortuary in Westlake Village. A private Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 17 at 11:00 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Westlake Village with graveside services to follow.

“Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people-they always go away sooner or later. You can’t hold them anymore than you can hold moonlight. But if they've Touched you, if they're inside you, then they're still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart.”

Bruce Coville

A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel,

There’s love that’s awaiting me there.

All cares and troubles I will leave behind

As I climb the golden stair.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel,

There to meet my Lord face to face

And I’ll be in the Home that I longed for,

Saved by His heavenly grace.

AT OUR LAST AWAKENING

Bring us, O Lord God,

at our last awakening

into the house and gate of heaven,

to enter into that gate

and dwell in that house,

where there shall be no darkness

nor dazzling,

but one equal light;

no noise nor silence,

but one equal music;

no fears nor hopes,

but one equal possession;

no ends nor beginnings,

but one equal eternity:

in the habitations of thy majesty and glory,

world without end.

SAINT TERESA'S PRAYER

Let nothing disturb you;

let nothing dismay you;

all things pass:

God never changes.

Patience attains

all it strives for.

He who has God

finds he lacks nothing:

God alone suffices.