She was a former resident of Tryon and a member of Red Fox Country Club.

Helen was the daughter of the late Margaret Roemer and Samuel Serena, born in Astoria, N.Y. She graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School, Penn., and The Savage School for Physical Education in New York City. She taught health education in New York City School System on Staten Island, N.Y. She will be remembered as a kind, caring person who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Married in 1935, she was preceded by her husband, George E. Pittinos, former pediatrician on Staten Island, who passed away in 2003. She was also preceded by four siblings; Viola Flail, Rose Von der Heiden, Olivia Sherer and Samuel Serena. Helen was a member of the New York Guild of Handweavers, Western North Carolina Fibers/Handweavers Guild, Pinelas Weavers of Florida and the Contemporary Handweavers of Texas. She won numerous awards over the years for her handweaving.

In addition she was the former president of Phi Delta Pi Fraternity, charter member of the Medical Auxiliary of Staten Island and member of the Staten Island Historical Society, St. Mary&squo;s Episcopal Church on Staten Island and the Jackson Grove Methodist Church of Landrum.

She is survived by daughter Carol Robitzek (John) of Esperance, N.Y., and sons, Dr. George E. (Susan) of Orange Beach, Ala., and David (Lynn) of Stuart, Fla., eight grandchildren, Chloe Pittinos (Andrew Baker) of Marysville, Penn., David Pittinos (MC) of Denver, Colo., Mark Robitzek (Heather Smith) of Norwalk, Ct., Andrew Pittinos (Winsy) of Greenville, S.C., Jesse Pittinos of San Marcos, Texas, Claire Pittinos of Mobile Ala., Sam Pittinos of Auburn, Ala., and William Pittinos of Chicago, Ill., as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 2 until 3:30 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.

Services will be held on Staten Island at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation, P. O. Box 3012, 822 Carolina Blvd., Topsail Beach, N.C. 28445 or Lutheran Hospice, 218-A Trade Street, Greer, S.C. 29651.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.