HIU Mourns the Passing of Helen Gettemy, Wife of Late President James N. Gettemy

Helen Gettemy, who had close ties to Hartford International University during and after her husband's 18-year tenure as President, passed away in Ormond Beach, FL, on March 23, just a few days after welcoming President Joel N. Lohr for a visit.

"Helen was full of life, and a dear friend," President Lohr said. "She loved Hartford Seminary, and her time of deep connection to us while her husband was President. She also loved our continued work as HIU today, under my leadership, and I consider it an honor to have spent time with her when she lived in Connecticut, and to have visited her in Florida so close to her passing, but a few days before."

He continued, "When we met recently, she held my hand, looked me in the eye (with a twinkle in hers), and thanked me for all that I am doing, all that we are doing. Helen will not be forgotten, and I am blessed to have met her."

Born on Oct. 7, 1927, in Baltimore, MD, Helen graduated from Adelphi University and earned an MA in Theology from Union Theological Seminary, then an MA in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. According to her obituary, she taught history and was a guidance counselor in West Hartford during the time when her husband was President of then-Hartford Seminary from 1958 to 1976, a time that saw the founding of the Macdonald Center for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, the first such center in the country.

After her husband's tenure in Hartford, Helen and James Gettemy moved to Daytona Beach, FL, where James became pastor of Seabreeze United Church of Christ and Helen had her own practice as a marriage and family therapist. They retired to Cape Cod in 1987. James Gettemy died in 2013. 

Helen is survived by daughters Jessica Porter of Orleans, MA, and Sara Gettemy-Worcester of Broomfield, CO, grandchildren Jake Lecce, Emily Porter, Nora Lecce, Ben Porter, Megan Porter, and Sam Worcester and great-grandchildren Celine Lecce and August Porter. She is also survived by her brother James McCartney.

A memorial service was held at Seabreeze United Church of Christ in Daytona Beach on March 26.