Helen Jeannette Pietsch

An only child, Helen was born in San Angelo, Texas to Jack Morrison and Gertrude Hayley on May 8, 1935.

Helen graduated from San Angelo High School in 1953. After graduation, she moved to Austin and attended the University of Texas where she met her husband of 66 years.

Helen married Clarence Pietsch in September of 1956. They lived in Lubbock and Houston, TX until they moved to Naperville, IL in 1968. After enjoying 8.5 years as Midwesterners, they moved to Berkeley Heights, NJ where they lived until 1994.

Helen returned to work full-time in 1981 as a secretary for Celgene Pharmaceutical Company. She later continued her career at Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceutical Company in Summit, NJ where she was among the first employees trained on the software and word processing leading her to become a respected trainer for the entire marketing department.

During her 19 years in NJ, Helen loved sitting on the patio looking out at the river, watching the kids ice skate in the winters, and going to see Broadway shows in New York City.

After retiring in 1994, Helen and Clarence moved back home to Austin, Texas. During her retirement, she was an active member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church where she was a Stephen Minister for several years.

Helen loved babies and volunteered at Breckenridge Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit for 12 years where she rocked, fed and nurtured the babies providing support to the nurses and families.

Helen and Clarence were season ticket holders to UT Men’s Basketball for 17 years. She loved to cheer for the Long Horns!

Helen loved to travel and enjoyed several train and river cruises to Europe. Helen also enjoyed sewing, knitting and needle work among other craft projects in her younger years. Playing bridge, cards and board games with her children and grandchildren was a favorite pastime.

Helen was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Her friendly and sweet nature will be missed by friends and family.

Helen is survived by her devoted husband, Clarence of 66 years, her three loving children, Gary Pietsch, Bryan Pietsch, Kristin Balsley (James) and grandchildren Mitzie, Kayla, Gavin, Alexis and Hayleigh.

A visitation for Helen will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701. A funeral service will occur Monday, February 20, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, 606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701. A graveside service will occur Monday, February 20, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A reception will occur Monday, February 20, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.