Helene Reese Kess-Testa, a wife, mother, nana, and teacher who loved fiercely, died on October 1.

Helene was a force in every way. She was quick to defend the underdog and never hesitated to speak out against injustice. She loved blasting her favorite music–Tom Petty, David Bowie, Lou Reed, The Association, Journey–while also keeping up with new artists. She once had to explain to her children who Jelly Roll is.

She never forgot someone’s birthday and celebrated holidays with gusto. Each December, she’d play Neil Diamond’s White Christmas as she piped the meringue cookies for which she was known.

Teaching was Helene’s calling. Over the course of her 35-year career, she touched countless lives, whether her students knew her as Ms. Kess or Mrs. Testa. She often strayed from the designated curriculum to teach lessons about kindness, resilience, and LGBT equality. Her favorite film was Dead Poets Society, likely because she saw a reflection of herself in Robin Williams’s character, Mr. Keating.

“I always knew–in my heart of hearts—that I wanted to be a mother more than anything else in my life,” she once wrote. She delighted in caring for her children in even the smallest ways, and her love was often expressed through anticipating their needs. When they visited, the refrigerator was stocked with the exact coffee creamer or protein shake she knew they preferred. If she discovered something she thought might make their lives easier—a garment steamer, a bread keeper, a tactical flashlight—it would simply appear at their doorstep. She made sure her children felt the depth of her love, which may be the greatest gift a mother can give.

In recent years, Helene’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. She adored her “bunnies” Eloise and Thomas, and eagerly awaited the arrival of a third grandchild, due on her birthday. Eloise and Thomas cherished their “Nana in Ohio,” rushing into her arms each time they visited. They are her legacy.

Helene’s husband, Dr. Robert Testa, was her closest friend of 40 years. She is survived by him, along with her children, Sarah and Bobby; her son-in-law, Paul; and her grandchildren, Eloise and Thomas.

Helene is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Ann Ruth Kess. Her family is comforted by the thought that she is now in the company of her beloved parents (and David Bowie).

A celebration of Helene’s life will take place later this year, and all who loved her will be welcome. More information will be announced. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/helene-testa/obituary/

Copy