Helen Englert Blaum

1922 - 2017

Helen Englert Blaum obituary, 1922-2017, Thibodaux, LA

BORN

1922

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Helen Blaum Obituary

Helen Englert Blaum, a former Big Band singer and beauty queen, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2017, at the age of 95, at Saint Joseph's Manor in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Helen, a native New Orleanian born in 1922, was raised in the Carrollton area and attended Mater Dolorosa Catholic School. In her early teens Helen blossomed into a beautiful young girl winning many local pageants. At the age of 15, with the urging of her friends, she won a local singing contest which spurred an expectedly career. She began singing at fairs, Pontchartrain Beach, and other local venues but was forbidden by her mother from singing in the French Quarter. Her talent was a blessing for her family during the hard times of the depression. Having beauty as well as talent, she was crowned Junior Miss New Orleans in 1939 and competed for the title of Miss Glamour Girl, which afforded her the opportunity of a steady job, singing with the Al Strieman Band in New Orleans. Still only 17 years of age she was introduced to the nationally known band leader, Larry Clinton, who was playing in Blue Room of The Roosevelt Hotel. Following an impromptu audition, Clinton hired her on the spot and changed her name to Helen Southern. At the age of 18, with a strict moral code dictated by her mother, Helen was allowed to tour with the band, who in Helen's words, "always treated her like a little sister." In 1940 Helen's rendition of "The Nearness of You" recorded with the Larry Clinton band, popularized the song at the time, and as a result has remained one of the top big band hits of the era. Helen returned home in 1941 to compete and win the title of Miss New Orleans. Later that year she represented Louisiana in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. At a petite 5'3" Helen was chosen to open the pageant ceremonies singing "Stardust", but did not place in the final beauty competition. Helen continued her singing career with big band leaders such as Woody Wilson, Jan Garber, and Jan Savitt, and added another stage name, Helen Warren. She also made singing appearances in the movie "Jam Session" with Ann Miller and Louis Armstrong, as well as "My Reputation" with Barbara Stanwych. During the war, she traveled the country, especially military bases, singing for the troops, and in particular remembered a photo shoot with a returning Doolittle raider. She had many keepsake items given to her by soldiers she barely knew, and many who never returned. At the end of the war she successfully screen tested with Lloyd Bridges and other "unknowns" in Hollywood for small acting jobs, but with little money to sustain her, she was forced to return home. Unfortunately wartime rationing coincided with the peak of Helen's singing career, therefore her talent would lack the recognition it deserved. Back in New Orleans, after the war, she began singing with the Leon Kelner band in the Blue Room of the Roosevelt Hotel, where she performed until just before the birth of her first child in 1947. With her marriage to a Saxophonist not working out, Helen would again have to find steady work to support her mother and baby daughter. Well liked and innovative, Helen worked her way up to becoming a manager and buyer in the children's department at Maison Blanche. In 1952, she married Hal, a model and athlete, who was also on the way up at Maison Blanche. In 1955 Helen left her job at MB to expand her family by 2 more children. In 1960, she opened her retail store "Helen's", a maternity and baby store at the corner of Oak and Carrolton. Although successful, she closed the store less than 2 years later following the birth of her fourth child, and decided to devote her time to her family of 6, and a rental real estate business that she and Hal started from scratch, that could be managed in part from their home. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and Catholic who put God and family first. She prayed the rosary, traveled multiple times to Rome, the Holy Land and Medugorje. She was generous and compassionate beyond expectation. She was a devoted spouse to her late husband, Hal, for 63 years. She loved Mardi Gras, Halloween, fashion, music and television. Her hobbies during her life were ceramics, gardening, and antique auctions. She was loved dearly by all but was especially close to her grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called her Nonnie. On weekends she would gather her grandchildren and take them on special outings such as swimming on the gulf coast, Chuck E Cheese and Funworks. At age 90 she was featured in a segment of "Naturally N'awlins" and appeared on set with Frank Davis. Helen Yvonne Englert Blaum, spouse of the late Harold "Hal" Sydney Blaum, Sr., mother of Judy DeGiuli Blaum Harris, Harold "Rocky" Sydney Blaum, Jr., Melanie Blaum Thompson, and Bruce Thomas Blaum; grandmother of Rachel Harris Husbands, Shane Harris, Kristin Blaum Gonzalez, Jason Blaum, Michael Blaum, Ryan Thompson, Blake Thompson, Preston Blaum and Christopher Blaum. Great-grandmother of Helen, Thomas, Luke, Jonathan, Whitney, Marc, Ava, Ally, Ben, and Zach. Born on March 15, 1922 to the late Sebastian Henry Englert and the late Gertrude Myrtle Buford Englert, sister of the late Howard, Hubert and Dorothy Englert. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian burial on Monday, October 2, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans. A visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment to follow in Metairie Cemetery.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Sep. 29 to Oct. 2, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Blaum

Not sure what to say?





I have just learned of Helen's passing. My deep condolences go to her entire family. As my father's second cousin (on the Englert side) I had the absolute pleasure to get to know her, and chat with her about our shared ancestry. This was years ago, now, and unfortunately we didn't keep up awith Helen and Hal. Lovely, gracious and so wonderful...may she rest in peace.

Marvin Russell

October 12, 2017

My heart is broken, the world is a much lesser place....but you are with Daddy now and you've missed him so so much. You gave me life and taught me everything. Your selflessness to the ones you love was without measure or description. You will forever be my greatest hero. I Love You, Momma, I miss you already. Rest in Peace, the Stardust is all yours....Bruce

October 12, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one Helen. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.

C A White Atlanta

October 4, 2017

Mom,
You will be dearly missed by many! You were always there for me throughout my life in good times and in bad. RIP Mom, you are with the Lord now. I will forever love you and pray for you! Say hello to Dad for me.
Your Son,
Rocky

Harold "Rocky" Blaum

October 2, 2017

Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio

October 2, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one Helen. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.

C A White Atlanta

October 2, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends in your hour of grief. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.

C A White Atlanta

October 2, 2017

While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our beloved Heavenly Father return your dear one to you.

October 1, 2017

May the family find peace and comfort in knowing all sickness, all pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.

October 1, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. During this difficult time may God comfort the family with his tender mercies and care. At Psalms 119:28 he assures us that when we grieve he can strengthen us with his word.

I M

October 1, 2017

HE Will Raise Her Up On Eagle's Wings,

Bear Her On The Breath Of Dawn,

Make Her To Shine Like The Sun,

And Hold Her In The Palm Of HIS Hand.

From Psalm 91

Sadie McCulllough

October 1, 2017

So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was my mom's, Joyce Fandal Veuleman, 2nd cousin. Keeping you all in our prayers.

Annette Veuleman Klingman

October 1, 2017

May the God of all comfort be with you in your time of need

September 30, 2017

Such an incredible woman! She will be missed!
With sincere sympathy,
Lynne

September 30, 2017

My deepest sympathy
to the Blaum family for your lost. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6,7

Steve

September 30, 2017

To the Blaum family, I am sorry for your loss. I just wanted to share some comforting scriptures. Hosea 13:14. Take care.

Brandon

September 30, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11.

September 30, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one Helen.May you find peace and comfort in the words of God.

Charles A.

September 30, 2017

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Helen Blaum's name

Memorial Events
for Helen Blaum

Oct

2

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Oct

2

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Oct

2

Interment

Metairie Cemetery

LA

Funeral services provided by:

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

How to support Helen's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Helen Blaum's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more