Helene Eugenia Purenciu Van Strien entered into heavenly peace on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Helene was born in Poteet, TX to Ruth and Nick Purenciu.  Growing up, Helene was blessed with two families, her Texas family - Ruth, Earl, Cari, and Joye Stephenson and her Ohio family - Nick, Marie, Lisa, Teresa and Michael.  The TX family traveled to Earl's military assignments that took them to Japan, Nebraska, and Germany. The OH family visited often and were a part of all Helene's life in a special way.

Helene met David Van Strien while in Germany with her family.  They were married in Basel Switzerland in 1964.  In 1965 and 1967, they welcomed their sons, Michael and Stephen.  Helene and David and their sons also lived a life in the military, living in several states, and they especially enjoyed the two assignments in Alaska.  They moved to San Angelo, TX after David retired from the military in 1984.  While in San Angelo, Helene worked for Angelo State University and would retire as a County Clerk from Tom Green County.  In 2008, Helene and David set out on their ten-year traveling adventures in their fifth-wheel travel trailer, visiting many "cooler weather" states, mostly to the west and north. They "retired" from traveling in 2020 and moved to Lewisville, TX to be closer to Mike, Steve, and their grand kids.

Helene was a beautiful, bright light and she shared the love of Jesus Christ in so many ways and with so many people, during her beautiful life.  Her husband of 59 years and family were her priority in life, and she loved her relatives and her friends so dearly.  She was friendly to everyone she met and always shared a smile or encouraging word or offer of prayer.  Her love, grace, and kindness towards others were gifts she gave to everyone.  She loved oil painting, cooking, baking and enjoyed being out in nature.

Helene is survived by her husband David; son Stephen; daughter-in-law Terri; grandchildren Cord, Mondee, Joren, Mason and Tyler; sisters, Cari Morrow, Joye Stephenson, Lisa Hanson, and Teresa (Thomas) Purenciu-Winans; brother Michael (Kristine) Purenciu.  Helene was preceded in death by son, Michael (Terri), earlier this year.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 11 am at Flower Mound First Baptist Church at 1901 Timber Creek Road, Flower Mound, TX.

Donations in Helene's memory can be made to Flower Mound First Baptist Church.