Posted on: Saturday, December 8, 2001

Helen Smith Antonietta, community helper, 80

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Helen Smith Antonietta of Kailua spent a lifetime serving others.

With husband Stephen, she raised a daughter and 21 foster children. In addition, she taught religious education to children with special needs, signed for the deaf at liturgies and served needy seniors in Waimanalo as part of the Meals on Wheels program.

"If you wanted something done," said Barbara Akeo, administrator for St. John Vianney Parish, "you gave it to Helen."

Antonietta died Dec. 4 at age 80.

Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Hawai'i in 1965 with her husband.

She was an active member of St. John Vianney Parish. She served on the Parish Pastoral Council for more than 20 years, said Akeo.

"She was assertive and she was extremely generous," Akeo said. "She was a caring and loving and supportive friend."

Antonietta was active in the National Association for Retired Federal Employees for 15 years, serving as state and local president, legislative chairwoman, national committee member for convention sites, Alzheimer's chairwoman, chaplain and pre-retirement seminar speaker.

Antonietta was also social chairwoman for the Mid-Pacific Country Club.

She is survived by her daughter, MaryEllen, her sister, Ethyle Kruser, and her brother, Vincent Smith.

Services will be Monday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Kailua. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. and the funeral Mass at 11:30. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl. Arrangements were made through Mililani Downtown Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Vianney Parish Outreach Program.