Elena “Helen” Dane

Elena “Helen” Dane passed away peacefully in her home on September 13, 2018. She was born in Langeloth, PA on December 4, 1940 to Tereso Mena and Francesca Castenedo Mena, the youngest of nine children. The family moved the St. Louis area and settled in Fairmont City, IL.

Helen married Lindell Dane on July 27, 1963, moved to Collinsville, IL and together they raised four children.  Their biggest adventure occurred in 1978 when they moved to Houston, TX., finally settling in Rosenberg. Helen became a true Texan and never looked back, reclaiming her original name of Elena. In addition to her family, Elena loved her church.  She loved cooking for groups large and small, and felt her church was her family.

Helen was preceded in death by her son, Phillip Bittle, siblings Daniel Mena, Adolphe Mena, Lupe Platz, Nicholas Mena, Dolores Mena, Victor Mena, Richard Mena, and Jose Mena. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lindell, their children Kim Thomas (Scott), Brett Dane (Ceci), Bart Dane, Lynne Bittle (Phil), her grandchildren Andrew Thomas, Emily Dane, Matt Bittle, Madison Bittle, Jacob Dane, Rosemary Thomas, Matt Green, Ashley Williams, and Cecily Dane. Her sister, Maxine Dill, sisters-in-law, Mickey Mena, Barbara Mena, and Carol Dane, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews also survive her.

A memorial service is planned on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 502 South Fifth Street, Richmond, TX. 77469 at 2pm. Reception to follow.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to their church family at First Baptist, Richmond, and to Pastor John Lockhart for their love and support.

Words of condolence may be left for the Dane family at www.epcompean.com

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to E.P. Compean Funeral Directors, “Our Family Serving Your Family”, 1223 Sixth St., Rosenberg, TX. 77471, 281-238-4443.