August 1, 1920 - August 3, 2013
Sylvia Dinhofer Helfert, 93, of Marina Del Rey, passed away August 3, 2013, at her residence. She was born August 1, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, and will be remembered best for her powerful presence and commanding stature. Growing up in Brooklyn, the oldest of three children of Julius (Jay) and Estelle Oelbum Dinhofer, Sylvia worked for her father who owned the largest diamond cutting factory in New York City, and who helped create the first Bulova watches.
After attending Long Island University, Sylvia married Irving Helfert, MD, DDS (U. of Buffalo), and moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Irving became a noted Urologist and surgeon, and where they raised their three children; Bruce, Jay and Carole. In Dayton, Sylvia established a successful interior design company, decorating many important homes, hotels and country clubs. She acted in the local theater productions of "South Pacific", "The King and I" and "Annie Get Your Gun", and landed the lead role in "Born Yesterday". Using her exquisite artistic eye, Sylvia was an avid supporter of the Dayton Art Institute. Her oldest son, Bruce Stephen Helfert, MD, became a surgeon and served as a Captain in the Air Force; he preceded his mother in death. In honor of her son, Sylvia endowed Purdue University's important Bruce Stephen Helfert, MD Memorial Award, given annually to the University's outstanding junior student. Sylvia and Irving also donated the mural in the main building of the nationally-known non-profit New Directions, Inc., located at the LA Veterans Administration.
After moving to Southern California in 1974, Sylvia bought a small property in Bakersfield, eventually acquiring a unique portfolio of properties including apartment buildings and the well-known "Disney Cottages" in Silver Lake. Sylvia actively managed her real estate business until shortly before her death. At the same time, Sylvia studied at Oxford, traveled to Rumania and South Korea, cruised on the Queen Elizabeth II, and did The New York Times Sunday Crossword puzzle, in ink, each week. On her birthday and Holidays, Sylvia's home would be filled with cards, flowers and gifts from friends worldwide. She loved watching the Marina del Rey Harbor fireworks display held directly across from her front walkway, and she welcomed everyone to enjoy her terrific outdoor barbeques.
Sylvia is survived by her loving children Jay Andrew Helfert and Carole Helfert Aragon (Audie), sister Marcia Teschner of Rye Brook, NY, brother Milton Dinhofer of Los Angeles, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. All will miss her dearly.
Burial took place at Eden Memorial Park, Mission Hills, California. In memory of Sylvia, donations may be made to New Directions, Inc., 11303 Wilshire Blvd., Bldg. 116, Los Angeles, CA 90073.