Obituary of Helene Hyland

Helene Margaret (Hunter) Hyland, age 88, of Banning, formerly of San Marino, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2012, with both her daughters by her side. Helene was born June 2, 1924, in Los Angeles. After graduating from high school she became a high fashion model. She married William Hyland in 1947 and supported him through his degree program at UC Berkeley. She continued her career modeling in Los Angeles and Pasadena for forty years. She was known for her beautiful singing voice, excellent sense of style, and especially her quick wit. Entertaining at home was a special delight to Helene, and as an accomplished cook she enjoyed hosting dinner and theme parties. While President of the Newcomers Club of San Marino, she met many of the friends she would keep for the rest of her life. After their retirement, she and her husband traveled the world. The smiling pictures shown of the couple during these trips reflect not only their happiness with the adventures but their love for each other. Helene is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer Howe of Michigan and M'Lissa Snead of Missouri, her sister, Patricia Sands of Escondido, two grandsons, William Brown and Matthew Huwiler, and four great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Hayley Huwiler and Cooper and Caroline Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, her parents, Paul and Margaret Hunter, and her older sister, Mary. The family would like to express their thanks to the special caregivers at Visiting Angels and for the kind support of her friends during her last few years. A celebration of Bill and Helene's life together was held on November 4 at the Wiefels and Son Mortuary of Banning.