Helen DeSantis

Helen DeSantis (nee: Bliss), 104 years of age, and a lifetime resident of Lorain, passed away  Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Lorain, following a full and meaningful life. She was born February 7, 1919 In Lorain.

Helen was the light that brought her family together. Her family meant the world to her. She had a great sense of humor and loved to make her family and friends laugh.  She had a strong work ethic and taught her  family to be happy and confident in everything they did. Her mantra to others was the slogan “I can do it”.  Helen was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lorain. Helen loved to travel all over the world, and even went on a cruise celebrating her 100th birthday. 

Survivors include her son Jeffrey DeSantis of Amherst, her grandchildren, Lindsey DeSantis and Peter John DeSantis; and her sister Dorothy McManus of Vermilion.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, Pete J. DeSantis on November 1, 2009; her infant son; her daughter in law, Jill DeSantis, and her sister Eleanor; and her parents. Walter and Sophie Bliss.

Friends may call Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst.  Closing prayers will be held Friday at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church, 3655 Oberlin Road, Lorain, OH.  The Rev. Fr. Craig Hovanec, pastor  will officiate. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com . Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain, Ohio.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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