Helen Marie Outten

Helen DiFrancia was born in the Bronx on October 1, 1938, to the late Edward DiFrancia and Elizabeth (Rose) DiFrancia. After graduating from high school, Helen continued her education at Long Island University, receiving a degree in Biology. This is also where she met her husband, Edward Outten. Helen and Edward went on to have four children.

She is survived by her sons; Edward Outten, Jr., Dr. Christopher Outten, David Outten and daughter, Marie Assir; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Helen was highly active throughout her entire life. She worked several jobs alongside raising four children. Helen's passion as a Catholic led her into many volunteer positions that she and her husband spent doing for most of their adult life. When most people would start to wind down as they get older, there was no stopping Helen. Helen was always finding someone or something to support. At 50, she went back to continue her education and received her nursing degree. She was a surgical nurse for over 20 years.

Helen was a world traveler. She and her husband visited places all around the world. She enjoyed game shows that tested her knowledge. Helen enjoyed cooking for others. She loved to eat food, especially Italian. She never forgot the special occasions of others. Helen was a "card giver". You could always count on receiving a card for just about any occasion.

Helen dedicated her life to service as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, servant of God, and behind the scenes was the most charitable person we knew. She passionately supported dozens of charities year after year. She was small but mighty, never willing to give up. No obstacles were too big. Even dealing with personal challenges with her health, she never let it interfere with her relationships with family and friends. We are so fortunate to have learned the true meaning of selflessness.

A Memorial Mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00 am, with inurnment following at the church columbarium. Family will receive friends afterwards in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to any one of Helen's favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/givetolive) - Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) - The Salvation Army (give.salvationarmyusa.org) - Durham Rescue Mission (durhamrescuemission.org) - Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org/donate) - Preborn (give.preborn.com) - Mercy Ships (mercycorps.org/donate) - Franciscan Missions (franciscanmissions.org)

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