Helena Marie Gauda's Obituary
Helena M. Gauda was born on August 26, 1962 in St. Louis, Missouri
to the late Dr. Leon A. Smart and Jackie M. Gauda. She was the
youngest of six children. God called his servant home on Friday,
September 3, 2021 at 6:15 p.m.
Helena was born with Down Syndrome and attended special school for
education until adulthood. Most of her life she lived with her family and
held various jobs in the hospitality industry. She resided at Oak Knoll
NH in Berkeley, Missouri during the last few years of her life.
Helena had a love for life, family, music and dance. She would sing and
dance to the music of Michael Jackson and Tina Turner and was always
the main attraction at every family gathering she attended in several
states.
Helena was baptized Catholic as an infant and attended church
services throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her mother
and father. She will be greatly missed and always remembered.
She leaves to cherish her memories: brother and sisters ~ Martineau F.
Gauda (Sheilah), Jeannette Simpson-Edwards (Donald Conover), Jacinta
Gauda (Fred Rotgers), Donna Upchurch, and Dr. Estelle Gauda (Dr.
Douglas Watson); cousins ~ Marie Straughter, EVG. Arthurine Cook
(Pastor Daniel Cook), Kathy Hayes (James Hayes: Deceased), and
Patricia Woodson: Deceased.; nieces and nephews ~ Martineau
Damion Gauda, Anise Braggs (Cary), Anthony Gauda (Jaimel), Lisa
Cohen (Vincent), Brittany Newell (Andy), Tiffanie DeLiberty (Richard),
David Matthew Upchurch, Daniel Jarrett Upchurch, Dana Upchurch,
Christopher Watson (Lola Adekanmbi), Andrew Watson and Gabriel
Watson; family friends ~ Rodney Johnson and David Upchurch Jr.; and
special friends ~ Ariel Mason, Sam S. Bassi, Gabrielle McLemore and
Frances Northington.
What’s your fondest memory of Helena?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helena?
Share a story where Helena's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helena you’ll never forget.
How did Helena make you smile?