Obituary of Helene Marie Steele

Helene Marie Steele

January 29, 1929-July 2, 2022

Loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother

Helene Steele, 93, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on July 2, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Helene was born on January 29, 1929 to the late Mary and Frank Festa of Darien, CT. She was predeceased in death by her son Henry Backhurst, her brother Anthony Festa and daughter-in- law, Desiree Steele. She is survived by Robert Steele, her loving husband of 61 years, four children; Donald Backhurst (Toni) of Hendersonville, TN, Eileen Wilson (John) of St. Augustine, FL, Robert Steele Jr. (Desiree) of Dunlap, IA and Cynthia Pucci (Richard) of Darien, CT. Helene was a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Helene had several jobs over her life. She worked for Hewitt Robbins Corporation as a secretary, as a homemaker raising her family, and lastly as a library aide at Stamford High School where she retired after 15 years. Helene was an active member of First Presbyterian Church (Fish Church) of Stamford, CT where she served as a Deacon, and volunteered in the church office. Helene was always a community helper. One of her most important projects was when she along with other church members started a food program where they cooked and served food monthly at Pacific House; a homeless shelter in Stamford. Helene participated in this program for 20+ years.

Helene loved to cook and entertain friends and family and had many excellent recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Friends and family always remember Helene as a very thoughtful and generous person as well as a great listener and advice giver. She loved her husband and family and always enjoyed spending time with them. She loved to paint, read and cook and was an avid General Hospital fan since the 1970's!

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 4-7pm at Lawrence Funeral Home in Darien, CT and a celebration of life service on Thursday at 10am at Lawrence Funeral Home, followed by burial at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien. In lieu of flowers, the family asks if donations could be made in her name to First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, CT.