Helen Josephine Gary

Helen was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on November 1, 1940. Helen grew up in Danbury, Connecticut and graduated from Danbury High School. She lived in many parts of Connecticut including Danbury, Waterbury, Newton, Milford, New Milford, and Southbury before moving to Deltona, Florida in July 1983.

She was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, loved hanging out with family and friends. She enjoyed the beach, cruising, baking, cooking and a little gambling.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her son Raymond Joseph Short (2022) and daughter Donna Marie Bidot (2023). Helen leaves behind her husband Dennis of nearly 30 years, daughters Roxanne (Patrick) Flyte of Phoenix, AZ and Lorinda (Ruben) Orozco of Lake Mary, FL as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. There are several nieces, nephews and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

As Helen wrote in a letter to her children “Remember me as I was when I was living, full of life, fun and laughter. The serious days, the special ones too, remember my love, my joys, my laughter, my triumphs, and yes my disasters. Don’t let my passing remove you from life. Keep your chin where it belongs and your feet on the ground and live your life like I was around”.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (359 West New York Ave, Deland, FL) on Saturday, September 30th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Burial Ceremony at Deltona Memorial Gardens (1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL) at 12:30 p.m. followed by a reception at 2:00 p.m. at American Legion (1087 Biscayne Blvd, Deland).

The family would like to thank the Halifax Hospice team of Orange City for their compassionate care during Helen’s 22 day stay. They’d also like to thank all of our family and friends for their support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Halifax Health Foundation.