Helena Laterriere Marsh passed away on January 5, 2023, in Altadena, California. Aged 95, she lived a full life, always enjoying time with her family and her large group of friends.
Born on December 17, 1927, to Charles Lloyd Laterriere and Elizabeth Mugniere Laterriere, Helena grew up in New Orleans.
She met her husband Richard (Dick) Marsh while he was stationed in New Orleans during World War II. Helena and Dick married in 1947 and settled in San Marino in 1950. They spent most every summer at their lake home on Brown’s Lake in Jackson, Michigan, where friends and family would gather for the summer season. They celebrated 67 years of marriage together until Dick’s passing in 2017. Upon Dick’s passing, Helena moved to Montecedro in Altadena, where she continued to stay active and spend time with friends old and new.
Helena was an active member of San Marino Community Church and PEO. She volunteered and was involved with the San Marino PTA, Girls and Boy Scouts, and all of her children’s sports.
Helena was a very talented duplicate bridge player, playing with several of her close friends for many years. She enjoyed quilting and most of her grandkids are beneficiaries of her wonderful artistry! She was also a huge Dodger fan, often wearing a baseball cap that belonged to her dad while cheering them on.
Helena and Dick loved playing tennis with friends and family. They were active members at both San Marino Tennis Club and Live Oaks Tennis Club in South Pasadena. The tennis court in the backyard of their San Marino home was the site of many friendly (but competitive) round robins. Helena also loved returning to New Orleans during Mardi Gras as often as possible.
Known to many as “MawMaw,” Helena was happiest when she was surrounded by family. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Susan Winnie (William), Richard “Chip” Marsh (Kay), Kirby Louderback (Robert) and Stephen Marsh (Susan). Her 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
MawMaw was a great believer in traditions, including Sunday morning pancake breakfasts; the annual swim across and walk around Brown’s Lake; family volleyball, badminton and pingpong tournaments; annual trips to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm with her sister and family; and hosting Sunday night dinners for any family members who were in town. She also loved serving Christmas Eve dinner, followed by the reading of “The Night Before Christmas” while sharing a batch of her family-favorite Swedish Dream cookies.
Helena was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her.
