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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Helen Rettew

Helen Rettew (nee Kwiatkowski), age 85, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2023.

Helen was born in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Paul Kwiatkowski and Anna Kopernik Kwiatkowski. She graduated from the Summit Hill High School and Goldey Beacom College. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Winterthur Museum. She loved to travel with her friends and spending time with family.

In addition to her parents, Helen is predeceased by her husband, Thomas M. Rettew, III. She is survived by her son, Ted Livesay of Loxahatchee, FL, her daughter, Susan Livesay-Nicholasen, M.D. and son-in-law Paul Nicholasen M.D. of Landenberg, PA., her brother Joseph P. Ross and his wife Patricia of Reamstown, PA.

Services will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to First State Animal Center and SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934.

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Funeral Services

Services will be private.

Condolences

    Gayleen Shanahan lit a candle and writes,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Helen was such a fun loving person. She enjoyed seeing friends, traveling, reading, learning new things, her cat Panda and taking care of her plants. I know Helen is at peace now.
    03/16/2023 12:38 pm
    Sylvia Saienni writes,
    I just became aware of Helen's passing, she was a good friend and we always great conversation. I will truly miss her.
    06/24/2023 07:36 pm
    Ellyn Sheffield writes,
    Helen was my son's nanny for a few years, after graduating from the Sheffield School for Nannies, and a good friend to me and my entire family. I just came across her obituary, and wanted to make sure the family had my condolences and thoughts about Helen, even though it's 15 months later. She was the best caretaker we ever had for Dave, taught him the difference between a "fact" and an "opinion" (at the ripe old age of 7), and gave him the love that she uniquely possessed. She taught him daily, and I do believe enjoyed his inquisitive mind and quirky sense of humor. She was truly one of the finest people my son had the honor of knowing as he grew up. Dave is now 41 going on 42, has a funny, quirky daughter of his own, and so it goes in life. Thanks, Helen, for making my son's life a little brighter during a transitional period of your life! We will always remember you with utmost affection.
    06/04/2024 09:01 am
    Jennifer writes,
    A lady that would always cross my mind now and again. I remember our times traveling to New York and how she was always filled with so much knowledge and life. Helen knew how to enjoy the finer as well as the simpler things no matter the time or day. Now I am sure she is doing the same in heaven. Condolences to her family and friends as I know she is missed very much. RIP Helen.
    06/14/2025 05:36 am

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