Helen Gleaton Kivett, also known as “Sweet Mama Helen” and “Sparkles,” died on Saturday, June 14, at the age of 82. Helen was born on July 24,1942, in Savannah, Georgia where she also grew up. She was preceded in death by her parents Nell and E.N. Gleaton, MD, her sisters Jeanette and Anne, and her brother Earl. She is survived by three children: Joe, Russell and Jacob, two daughters-in-law: Lisa and Jennifer, four grandchildren: Shannon, Geoffrey, Erika, and Bristol, one great grandchild: Henry, and two grand dogs: Juniper and Apollo. Helen was the former wife of Gerald Kivett, MD, who was the father of her three sons.

Helen graduated from Savannah High School in 1960. She attended the Women’s College of Georgia and the University of Georgia in Athens. In 1963, Helen became a licensed practical nurse in Gainesville, Florida.

Her passion was pediatrics and working with children. In the 1970s, Helen became active in child abuse prevention while working for a group of pediatricians. She trained to become a facilitator and taught parenting classes that targeted at-risk teenage mothers. Her experiences inspired Helen to develop a program where she visited new mothers and fathers in the hospital to teach them how to care for their newborns. She was a selfless advocate for parents, and Helen made herself available seven days a week, making a positive difference in the lives of many new families.

In 1984, the Kivett family moved from the McCoy Naval Base to southwest Orlando. There, Helen became a Welcome Wagon representative for the Dr. Phillips Windermere area. This was a perfect opportunity for her to meet and welcome many new families to the area, and she developed many lasting friendships doing that volunteer work.

In 1988, Helen went to work in the Admissions Department at Universal Studios Orlando. It was a perfect fit for her friendly, outgoing personality. She was involved in many volunteer activities while at Universal, and Helen received the “Star of the Month” award on multiple occasions. Her final job was as a “greeter” in the Kid Zone, which suited her love for children and Helen’s playful spirit.

Helen was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Windermere. At St. Luke’s, she enjoyed taking cooking classes and was a member of the Shalom Prison Ministry Team, the Congregation Care Team and the Circle of Friends. Helen was also a member of West Orange Women, and for two years she volunteered at the emergency department at Dr. Phillips Hospital.

Helen considered her family and her dogs to be her greatest blessings. She was known for her sense of humor, her positive attitude, her cheerful nature, and her strong sense of fairness. One of Helen’s favorite sayings was, “Be the reason someone smiles today.” For those who knew and loved Helen, she gave them lots of reasons to laugh. Her hope was that her family and friends will keep her memories alive with tears of laughter, instead of sorrow.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19 at 11:00 AM followed by a reception. The service and reception will take place at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church located at 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819.

In Helen’s honor, memorial gifts may be made to St. Lukes United Methodist Church (www.st.lukes.org) and / or the SPCA of Florida (www.spcaflorida.org/donate)

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