Joan Helzer Tubby
Joan Helzer Tubby, 94, of Norwalk, passed away in Norwalk Hospital Sunday morning, June 5th. She was born in Los Angeles, CA, to Mina and John Helzer.
Joan attended Fairfax High School and UCLA. One of her first jobs was working for The California Dairy Association as a representative and model. She also worked at May’s Department Store as an Elevator Girl, a very desirable job at the time.
Upon moving to NYC, she worked for The Scott Forsman company in charge of developing advertising strategies. She worked various jobs in CT as an executive secretary for several O’Keefe car dealerships in Fairfield County and then finally at The Gene Reilly Group in Darien before finally retiring. Joan was a talented pianist and played for several theatrical productions at The Wilton Playshop. She was in her element at the piano, whether it was jam sessions with friends Gene Reilly on banjo and Charlie Christie on gut bucket, or performing occasional gigs with the same group at the Blue Moon restaurant in Norwalk. Some of her other passions included various card and word games and doing the New York Times Crossword in pen. She loved travel, entertaining and spending time with family and friends. Joan was kind, honest, intelligent and had a wonderful sense of humor. In her later years, she was forever thankful and grateful for her many blessings of friends and helpers. Joan was a true California girl and will hold a special place in our hearts forever.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Mina Helzer of Los Angeles, CA; and her brothers Kenny Lueke of Fallbrook, CA and Lloyd Lueke of Burbank, CA. Joan is survived by her two children, Susan Lenihan of Norwalk, and Scott Tubby of Rockport, MA; grandchildren Ian Tubby of Pinellas Park, FL, Lukas Tubby of Mansfield, MA, Kate (Steve) Marholz, of Aurora, CO, Scott Lenihan of Oakland, CA; great-grandchildren, Brenna and Jaxon Marholz of Aurora, CO; and many other relatives, friends and neighbors.
Special thanks to all her caregivers, but especially to Ethel Ruiz, who became a close friend. A small, private memorial will be held at a later date for close family friends and relatives.