Obituary

Helen Marie Bodkin was called home by God on July 13, 2009. Helen was born to Albert and Rose Tortora in New York on August 29, 1920. Helen and her sister, Rose, grew up on Staten Island. The family made several summer trips to Altadena California, where they eventually settled. Helen worked as a tailor in New York and California.

She married Robert W. Bodkin on October 3, 1942. They raised their three children in Alhambra. In 1970 they moved to San Juan Capistrano where she was an active member of the Women’s Club. Helen enjoyed sewing, oil painting, golfing and playing Bridge. For the past 5 years, Helen and her husband, Bob, lived at the San Clemente Villas.

Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Albert Jr. who died in childhood; her sister, Rose Corrigan; and her daughter Diane Wurtz. She is survived by her 96 year old husband; her son, Robert W. Bodkin II of Glendora, CA; and her daughter, Barbara Hettwer of Scotts Mills, OR. She is also survived by grandchildren Keith Wurtz of Rancho Cucamonga; Debora Wurtz-Wuertz and Deanna Gileot of Ontario CA; David Delano of San Clemente and Mark Delano of Silverton OR; also 6 great-grandchildren.

A Vigil Service rosary will be held at O’Connor Mortuary 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 at 7:00 PM Tuesday, July 21, and a Funeral Mass will be at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point CA 92629 on Wednesday, July 22, at 11:00 AM. Interment at 2:30 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, 966 North Potrero Grande Drive. Montebello, CA 90640. As Helen loved beauty in all forms, flowers would be graciously accepted; however donations are preferred to the ‘Catholic League’ 450 Seventh Ave, NY, NY 10123, 212 371-3191, http://www.catholicleague.org/

O’Connor Mortuary, 949 581-4300
www.oconnormortuary.com