1922
Hellen
2010
Hellen Mitten
August 17, 1922 — February 7, 2010
Hellen Mitten, described by many as a pillar of the community, and also as ``gracious', ``generous', ``elegant' and ``iconic', passed away peacefully on Sunday morning with close friends and family by her side.
Born in Donora, Pa., in 1922, Hellen and her family soon moved to Akron, then a thriving boomtown. She was valedictorian at Immaculate Conception and Kenmore High School, graduating several years early. Even with full scholarships, she was unable to attend college and instead went to work at Akron Tile. In 2006, she received an honorary degree from the University of Akron.
She was married twice, first to professional golfer Nick Lazor, who passed away a year after their marriage, and then for over 30 years to local businessman and entrepreneur Robert Mitten.
Hellen found great joy and comfort in the company of people from all walks of life. Regardless of whether you were one of the curb boys at Skyway Drive-in, the postman or her neighbor, she had a genuine desire to get to know you and be your friend. Being a lifelong Akron resident, her deeply caring attitude, infectious laughter and unlimited kindness made her an anchor in the community to many. Hellen cared a lot about looking good and was known for being classically stylish.
Some of her fondest memories were of volunteering at the Florence Crittenton Home, at Akron General and St. Thomas Hospitals and especially as a teacher's aide to learning challenged 3rd graders at Turkeyfoot Grade School. She was most proud of her numerous Keep Akron Beautiful awards, including special recognition from the Mayor of Akron.
Even though she is gone, her love and generosity will live on as an enduring legacy in the many hearts she touched.
Hellen is survived by her only child, Mark Mitten of Chicago; nieces, Mary Kathrine Zerbe and Nancy Pallotta; nephew, Randy Zerbe; and her dear friend, Anna Koenig. Most importantly, she is survived by her numerous friends who became part of the extended Mitten family.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Nick Lazor and Robert Mitten as well as her sisters, Gloria Zerbe and Dolores Blaner.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., with Fr. Steven Brunovsky officiating. Intement at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd.
While flowers are welcome, please feel free to donate to the The Robert and Hellen Mitten Scholarship Fund, The University of Akron Foundation, Akron, OH 44325-2603.
Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel
Born in Donora, Pa., in 1922, Hellen and her family soon moved to Akron, then a thriving boomtown. She was valedictorian at Immaculate Conception and Kenmore High School, graduating several years early. Even with full scholarships, she was unable to attend college and instead went to work at Akron Tile. In 2006, she received an honorary degree from the University of Akron.
She was married twice, first to professional golfer Nick Lazor, who passed away a year after their marriage, and then for over 30 years to local businessman and entrepreneur Robert Mitten.
Hellen found great joy and comfort in the company of people from all walks of life. Regardless of whether you were one of the curb boys at Skyway Drive-in, the postman or her neighbor, she had a genuine desire to get to know you and be your friend. Being a lifelong Akron resident, her deeply caring attitude, infectious laughter and unlimited kindness made her an anchor in the community to many. Hellen cared a lot about looking good and was known for being classically stylish.
Some of her fondest memories were of volunteering at the Florence Crittenton Home, at Akron General and St. Thomas Hospitals and especially as a teacher's aide to learning challenged 3rd graders at Turkeyfoot Grade School. She was most proud of her numerous Keep Akron Beautiful awards, including special recognition from the Mayor of Akron.
Even though she is gone, her love and generosity will live on as an enduring legacy in the many hearts she touched.
Hellen is survived by her only child, Mark Mitten of Chicago; nieces, Mary Kathrine Zerbe and Nancy Pallotta; nephew, Randy Zerbe; and her dear friend, Anna Koenig. Most importantly, she is survived by her numerous friends who became part of the extended Mitten family.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Nick Lazor and Robert Mitten as well as her sisters, Gloria Zerbe and Dolores Blaner.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., with Fr. Steven Brunovsky officiating. Intement at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd.
While flowers are welcome, please feel free to donate to the The Robert and Hellen Mitten Scholarship Fund, The University of Akron Foundation, Akron, OH 44325-2603.
Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Hellen Mitten, please visit our flower store.
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