Helena Sias Witte, age 51, of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at her home in Fairfield.

She was born December 20, 1954 in Harvey, Ill., daughter of John Barnes Sias and Lucretia Thomas Sias. She is survived by her parents, her husband, Eric Crosman Witte; their three children, Lucretia, Helena and Eric Jr.; and her three siblings, Lucretia Sias of Boulder, Colo., Donald Sias of Albuquerque, N.M. and William Sias of Houston, Texas.

Helena grew up in Westport, graduated from Staples High School in 1973 and attended Dartmouth College where she received a BA in economics in 1977. She worked for Petry Television in New York City, Dallas and Chicago for three years before earning her MBA from Stanford Business School in 1981.

Upon graduation, Helena began work in institutional sales at Solomon Brothers in San Francisco and later New York City, where she was known for her innovative work in mortgage-backed securities.

Following the birth of her first child and subsequent retirement in 1989, Helena and Eric remained in Westport and later moved to Fairfield while raising their three children and breeding generations of Alaskan Malamutes.

Helena was passionate about everything she did, especially enjoying traveling, skiing, hiking and camping, gardening, making music with her family and taking a very active role in her children's education.

She was an ardent supporter of environmental causes, the outdoors, education and the arts.

Throughout her 10 year battle with cancer, she demonstrated remarkable strength, unbelievable resilience and a vibrant sense of humor. Her love and depth of friendship embraced family and friends across the world and all will miss her dearly.

Published in the Connecticut Post on 7/30/2006.