Helen Moore

Helen Jordan  Moore, Age 97, Of Battle Creek, Died June 9, 2014 at Evergreen Manor. Helen was born on August 7, 1916, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Joseph and Raina J. (Georgess) Toteff. Before finishing high school Helen was an Ingenue- actress from 15 to 18 years of age with the Slout Players who came to Battle Creek annually, presenting summer stock stage productions. When WWII took her husband to combat in Europe, Helen followed her theatrical interests and moved to Hollywood, CA, where she enjoyed 26 years working in motion pictures with great and glamorous stars of the golden years of movies in the 1940’s and 1950’s. In the 1960’s she went into television production at CBS-TV Studios and at Desilu Productions, owned by Lucy and Desi Arnez. Several Winter seasons she spent managing small resort hotels in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands during her film hiatus in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Helen started her business career at the W.K. Kellogg Company upon graduation in 1934 from Battle Creek Central High School. She was secretary to the personnel manager of Kellogg’s, Mrs. Isabelle Van Devegaet, also known as Mrs. Van. In 1936, Helen married William E. Moore, Jr., a musician-singer with the Big Bands of that era. He died after returning home from WWII in 1948. Upon retiring, Helen returned home to Battle Creek in November 1979 to attend to her ailing mother, Raina Jordan Toteff, who expired June 4, 1980. Surviving Helen is a sister, Lillian Jordan Cartwright of Pensacola, FL; several nieces and nephews. In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.

---