Helene Ann Derfler - Obituary

Helene Ann Derfler nee Beldner, age 88, died on December 18, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Helene was predeceased by her beloved parents, Ada and Julius Beldner. Helene is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly sixty-seven years, Elliot Derfler. Helene and Elliot had four children together, Dorrie, Bruce (James), David (Asuka) and Michele (Kellie). Helene and Elliot were also blessed with nine grandchildren: Jonathan, Julie, Anthony, Matthew, Benjamin, Declan, Aedan, Teaghan and Liam.

Helene graduated from Hunter College with a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama and a minor in early childhood education. Helene was an accomplished theatre actress as a high school and college student. Helene began her professional career as a kindergarten teacher and after taking several years off to raise her children, Helene returned to the workforce. Initially, Helene was the lead teacher in a pre-school program and then she worked in several different administrative capacities for SUNY Purchase and Magi Educational Services. For the latter twelve years of her career, Helene was a personnel recruiter and administrative associate at Abbott House, a NYS-based childcare agency.

Although Helene, a Bronx girl married Elliot, a Bronx boy, they raised their family in Westchester County (New York) until relocating to Southwest Florida. After snow birding for five years Helene and Elliot built their dream home in Naples, Fla. Helene was the ultimate hostess and she loved the constant stream of friends and family that visited over the years. Helene spent her early years in Fla volunteering at the Collier County Department of Public Health, for the Jewish Federation of Naples and her happiest of places, at the Humane Society of Naples. A consummate lover of animals, Helene never met a dog she didn’t love! Helene’s love of dogs, especially her beloved Teddy was known far and wide!

Helene was devoted to her husband Elliot. They travelled together after raising a family. Helene never shared Elliot’s passion for golf, but she enthusiastically endorsed their involvement in their individual pursuits. In the early years Helene and Elliot played tennis together and spent several years running/jogging until knees and hips gave out! Those jogs became walks and over the last thirty years, Helene and Elliot were mainstays at their local fitness center.

Helene was a friend to many and if you became Helene’s friend you were indeed a friend for life! Helene’s devotion to her children and grandchildren was unparalleled. Helene would undoubtedly say her greatest accomplishment was raising her four children. Helene reveled in her role as a grandmother and the birth of each grandchild brought another level of joy. Helene will be missed and cherished forever.

Donations can be made in Helene’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Avow Hospice or your local humane society.