Obituary for Helen Lucille LeGrande
Helen Lucille LeGrande was born on March 1, 1943, in Washington D.C. to the late Theodore and Vivian Summers. God called her home to eternal rest on March 29, 2023. She was the second eldest of six children. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Juanita Tribble, Lamar Summers, Wanda Summers and Larry Summers.
Helen was educated in the Washington, D.C. public school system and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1960, as an honor student. Later, she briefly attended Howard University.
Helen began her Federal career with the Department of Commerce in 1960. During her career, she advanced from a Clerk Typist to a position of leadership as an International Trade Specialist, represented her organization in Sri Lanka and received the Bronze Medal Award for exemplary achievement. She also forged life-long friendships with Alice, Betty, Toni (deceased), and Katherine. Helen retired after 39 years of federal service, in 1999.
Helen married the love of her life, the late Eugene LeGrande, Sr. on July 11, 1964. From their union, they had three children, Lynette, Eugene Jr., and Daryl. They raised their children in their Lanham, Maryland home and shared 54 years together until Gene’s passing in 2018 which left a huge void in Helen and the family’s lives. Helen’s commitment to her family was grounded in faith and she was devoted to her children’s well-being and happiness.
In her retirement, Helen took pride in providing childcare for her grandchildren - Xavier, Alexandra, and Zachary. She often referred to them as “our kids” and they affectionately called her “Gran”. She created fun activities, i.e. attended sports and school events and enjoyed sharing experiences with them, including grocery shopping, preparing specialty meals, sewing, baking, and gardening.
Her retirement years were filled with enjoying time with family and friends, taking piano and art lessons, dancing, exercising, and traveling. She especially enjoyed the mani-pedi tradition she shared with her mother and sisters, Juanita and Vernice.
Helen cherished family and her home was always inviting, with home cooked meals and smells of baked goods emanating from her kitchen. There was always plenty of food, laughter, and fun to go around. Famous for her fresh rolls, pound cakes, pies, and more, Helen’s food was not only good for the soul, but excellent ways to bring family and friends together in love.
Helen was also an accomplished seamstress. She often accepted large sewing projects, designing and making wedding gowns, bridal party gowns, prom dresses, draperies, alterations, and more. For many years, Helen made her own suits, dresses and special occasion attire for her kids and grandchildren.
Helen was a devoted member of Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church. She served over 50 years in the church, supporting several ministries and singing in the choir. Helen was a faithful servant, through gifts of charity, acts of kindness, volunteering, and giving of herself and time to help family, friends, or others in need.
Helen’s caregiving of her husband and mother earned her the Pastoral Care Lighthouse Service Award from Mt. Jezreel in 2016. Helen didn’t see herself as a caregiver and said, “I was just doing what was necessary for someone I love”.
Helen is survived by her three children Lynette Hall (Dave), Eugene LeGrande Jr., Daryl LeGrande (Ronni); three grandchildren Xavier, Alexandra, and Zachary Hall; sister Vernice Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Helen was educated in the Washington, D.C. public school system and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1960, as an honor student. Later, she briefly attended Howard University.
Helen began her Federal career with the Department of Commerce in 1960. During her career, she advanced from a Clerk Typist to a position of leadership as an International Trade Specialist, represented her organization in Sri Lanka and received the Bronze Medal Award for exemplary achievement. She also forged life-long friendships with Alice, Betty, Toni (deceased), and Katherine. Helen retired after 39 years of federal service, in 1999.
Helen married the love of her life, the late Eugene LeGrande, Sr. on July 11, 1964. From their union, they had three children, Lynette, Eugene Jr., and Daryl. They raised their children in their Lanham, Maryland home and shared 54 years together until Gene’s passing in 2018 which left a huge void in Helen and the family’s lives. Helen’s commitment to her family was grounded in faith and she was devoted to her children’s well-being and happiness.
In her retirement, Helen took pride in providing childcare for her grandchildren - Xavier, Alexandra, and Zachary. She often referred to them as “our kids” and they affectionately called her “Gran”. She created fun activities, i.e. attended sports and school events and enjoyed sharing experiences with them, including grocery shopping, preparing specialty meals, sewing, baking, and gardening.
Her retirement years were filled with enjoying time with family and friends, taking piano and art lessons, dancing, exercising, and traveling. She especially enjoyed the mani-pedi tradition she shared with her mother and sisters, Juanita and Vernice.
Helen cherished family and her home was always inviting, with home cooked meals and smells of baked goods emanating from her kitchen. There was always plenty of food, laughter, and fun to go around. Famous for her fresh rolls, pound cakes, pies, and more, Helen’s food was not only good for the soul, but excellent ways to bring family and friends together in love.
Helen was also an accomplished seamstress. She often accepted large sewing projects, designing and making wedding gowns, bridal party gowns, prom dresses, draperies, alterations, and more. For many years, Helen made her own suits, dresses and special occasion attire for her kids and grandchildren.
Helen was a devoted member of Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church. She served over 50 years in the church, supporting several ministries and singing in the choir. Helen was a faithful servant, through gifts of charity, acts of kindness, volunteering, and giving of herself and time to help family, friends, or others in need.
Helen’s caregiving of her husband and mother earned her the Pastoral Care Lighthouse Service Award from Mt. Jezreel in 2016. Helen didn’t see herself as a caregiver and said, “I was just doing what was necessary for someone I love”.
Helen is survived by her three children Lynette Hall (Dave), Eugene LeGrande Jr., Daryl LeGrande (Ronni); three grandchildren Xavier, Alexandra, and Zachary Hall; sister Vernice Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.