Eugenia Ann DeSon

Eugenia Ann DeSon (Genie) was born on June 13, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan.  She was the oldest sister to Donna Helsom (Bandhauer), and Tom Helsom.  After high school, Genie left Michigan to stay with relatives in South Whittier. Her transportation took the form of a used late 1930's Chevvy she named "Charlie".

In the early 1950's, she took a job as a clerk/typist at a small direct mail company in Montebello, California, where she met the co-owner, William (Bill) DeSon.  The two began dating and were married in 1952.  Soon after, Genie and Bill moved to St. Louis, Missouri.  While living there, she gave birth to her first son, William, Jr. (Chip).  A year later, her new family drove back to California and settled in Whittier, California.  Subsequently, she gave birth to her second son, Christopher, and two years later she gave birth to her third son, Theodore (Ted).

Although raising three boys kept Genie busy, she found time to follow her passion for singing and joined a group known as The Mothers Singers. The group enjoyed socializing and performing at local venues.

As her sons grew more independent, Genie went back to work to help at the family business. She also enrolled at Rio Hondo JC, taking courses in word processing and English.

Genie enjoyed watching ice skating. Along with other friends, Genie and Bill loved to attend local competitions and shows. Genie and Bill also participated in square dancing and social functions at the Uptown Whittier YMCA.

She will be missed dearly.