Helen Yianitsas Hawa, 89, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 17, 2014, surrounded by her family.  She was born on November 9, 1924, at home in Beaumont, Texas, to Laura Kiatta Yianitsas and Sam George Yianitsas.

A huge part of Helen’s early years were spent in the dance studio.  She danced and taught at Widman School of Dance for many years, performing many beautiful ballet and pointe solos.

After graduating from Beaumont High School in 1942, Helen received her degree from Lamar College. She worked for Stedman Company for several years before joining Wilson Printing and Stationary Company.  It was here that she met her future husband, Raymond Hawa.  She and Raymond were married on September 27, 1953, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Helen loved her community which was shown through her devotion to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Treasure House, and Hughen School in Port Arthur.  However, nothing was more important than her involvement and dedication to St. Mark’s Church.  Helen was a cradle Episcopalian, attending Sunday school at St. Mark’s in her youth.  She also taught Sunday school for many years.  Helen also cherished her involvement with the Alter Guild and St. Hilda’s Guild with her numerous culinary contributions for the annual Chili Supper.

Survivors include her children, John Hawa and his wife, Cathy, of Beaumont and Leah Hawa King and her husband, Charles, of Round Rock; grandchildren, Wilson Hawa and his wife, Lauren, of San Antonio; Cathleen King of Austin; Christopher Hawa of Beaumont; Claire King of Round Rock; and Allison Hawa of Beaumont, sister Marie Vaccarello of Beaumont, brother Jack Yianitsas and his wife, Ted, of Silsbee, and Gerald Farha of Beaumont, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Helen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Raymond Hawa, sister Anna Economos and brother George Yianitsas.

The family would like to give special thanks to Helen’s wonderful caregivers, Sagrario Tapia and her daughter, Alexandra, and Gloria Whitmire.  A special thanks to her loving doctor and family friend, Dr. Saku Kumar, for her wonderful care throughout the years.

A memorial service for Mrs. Hawa will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, Beaumont, officiated by The Reverend Dean Calcote, The Reverend Richard H. Elwood, and The Reverend Mark Crawford.  Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a reception in the Cloister Room of St. Mark’s. A private family committal will be at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Wilson Hawa, Christopher Hawa, Gerald Farha, Scott Gallagher, Todd Clarke, Paul Henderson, Jack Blanchette, and Dr. John Henderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas  77701.