Maria Rita Hellstern

April 12, 1935 ~ February 13, 2003
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Maria Rita Hellstern, 67, of 5 Starnes Cove Drive, Asheville, died Thursday, February 13, 2003, at a local hospital.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, she was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Maria Pecoraro Triolo. She was also preceded in death by three brothers. She worked as a teacher’s aide in the public school system and at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Hellstern is survived by her husband, Frank Hellstern; three sons, Capt. Frank Hellstern, Jr. of Fairchild AFB, WA, John Hellstern of Fairview and Christopher Hellstern of Ridgefield, NJ; a sister, Yolanda Payne of Miami, FL; three grandchildren and several nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm Saturday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Burial will be at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery, Miami, FL, at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Buncombe County Kidney Foundation, c/o Asheville Kidney Center, 10 McDowell Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
I can’t find the words to express the emptiness in my heart, knowing you are gone. Throughout these many, many years, even when miles kept up from seeing each other,our communication has always been solid. You are my dearest, most treasured friend. The love and pride you have for your family is so apparent to all that know you. The joy and anticipation you expressed with the coming birth of each grandchild was contagious. You have always been an inspiration to me — and I only pray that i could be the smallest fraction of the wonderful human being and dearest friend that you have always been to me. Rita, selfishly my heart cries that you are gone — yet you have endured, with courage and determination, so much suffering — managing to always make me giggle at your wonderful outlook, enabling me to see the humor in life, which often has no humor. There can only be light, love and happiness awaiting you. Our Lord takes those he loves most. I love and miss you so.
Anna (Midge) Franzese
bigred@nac.net
Mendham, N.J.
Frank… There are seldom words to appropriately address how you & your family must feel right now. In some respects, grief can be overwhelming and needs it’s proper due. However, as you and your loved ones work through this period, my prayer is that you will take comfort in knowing her suffering in the flesh has ended and she awaits in a far better place. You stood faithfully by her side for so many years, giving her all she could ever ask for as a husband, mate, and friend. One could ask for no greater sacrifice than to honor those words shared so long ago… ‘for better or worse, in sickness and in health… so long as you both shall live.’ You have indeed my friend… and those around you are much the better for your diligent example to us all.
Having done all to stand… stand well Frank… well done my faithful friend and servant.
I remember sitting on your lap as a little girl and feeling such love and comfort from the vibration of your voice as you craddled me against your chest. I remember the Christmas corsages you bought for me and my sisters every year when you took us to NYC before Christmas. Remember the perfume sample I took that I thought was ‘free’ and everyone laughed when I pulled it out of my pocket at home? I remember dressing up in the gowns and shoes you gave us to play with and I just loved the sound of the spike heels on the concrete pavement. I remember your laugh, sparkling eyes and your unbelievable sense of humor in the face of the many health challenges you faced all these years. I remember how you cherished your kitty cats and grieved their passing. Most of I remember your love which is forever your legacy. Aunt Rita you are wonderful Aunt and Mother and I will miss hearing your voice but I will never stop feeling your love. You are now at peace and free as a butterfly! Now you are with Grandma, my Mom and Dad, Uncle Dia, Uncle Tony and the whole gang!
With love and kisses to Auntie Rita
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOO
and until we meet again…
Tina
There are no words to express my love and gratitude to my Godmother (and Godmudder….as we always enjoyed saying, given our Brooklyn heritage)…she is the ultimate human being, full of life, love and wonderful humor…her passion for sharing herself is unbeatable….to my cousins and uncle, I know you will miss her like I will. She formed my life, my beliefs, my career, my drive and my passion for living and loving…can’t ask for any more than that! Love to all of you, but even more so, to her, for being much greater than life itself….
I have heard many wonderful things about Frank’s mother and Joanne’s dear aunt. I am so sorry for the loss of such a loved person, and for your intimate loss. I send my condolences and my prayers.
Frank and Family,
Just a note to let you know we are thinking of you all at this most difficult time. We are praying for your comfort and peace.
With love to aunt Rita from Jeff, Jeri and Matt
Although I didn’t know her personally, I would like to say how sorry I am that she has passed away. As a dear friend of Joanne Triolo’s, I have learned what a special lady she was and I know her passing brings sadness to those who loved her. May comfort come from the Lord and by knowing she is in his care. May she live on through your memories and in your spirit.
Although I didn’t know her personally, I would like to say how sorry I am that she has passed away. As a dear friend of Joanne Triolo’s, I have learned what a special lady she was and I know her passing brings sadness to those who loved her. May comfort come from the Lord and by knowing she is in his care. May she live on through your memories and in your spirit.
Although I didn’t know her personally, I would like to say how sorry I am that she has passed away. As a dear friend of Joanne Triolo’s, I have learned what a special lady she was and I know her passing brings sadness to those who loved her. May comfort come from the Lord and by knowing she is in his care. May she live on through your memories and in your spirit.
John and family, we send our deepest condolences, you will be in our thoughts and prayers. I was truly blessed to have known your mom, she was a great lady and will be missed.
Richard,Amy and Kinsey
Although I didn’t know her personally, I would like to say how sorry I am that she has passed away. As a dear friend of Joanne Triolo’s, I have learned what a special lady she was and I know her passing brings sadness to those who loved her. May comfort come from the Lord and by knowing she is in his care. May she live on through your memories and in your spirit.
Although I didn’t know her personally, I would like to say how sorry I am that she has passed away. As a dear friend of Joanne Triolo’s, I have learned what a special lady she was and I know her passing brings sadness to those who loved her. May comfort come from the Lord and by knowing she is in his care. May she live on through your memories and in your spirit.