Westmont Mourns the Loss of Hieronymus

Helen M. Hieronymus, the widow of Frank, a former Westmont history professor (1950-1981) and academic dean (1955-1970), died Sept. 24. She was 88. Burial was at Santa Barbara Cemetery and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m. at Cavalry Baptist Church, 736 W. Islay Street.

Helen and Frank led several Europe semesters for Westmont and developed close relations with students. Hieronymus Lounge was named in Frank’s honor, recognizing his contributions as a professor and dean in 1983. He died in 1988. “Helen was a warm hearted, always encouraging person with a deep commitment to her family, to her church, to her friends and to the college,” says Paul C. Wilt, Westmont professor emeritus of history.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Pamela Hieronymus, and granddaughter, Danielle Hieronymus, of Prescott Valley, great-grandchildren Preston Stratton, and Aidan Hieronymus of Prescott Valley, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in California. Survivors also include her sister Janice Holland of San Diego, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Frank L. Hieronymus; son, Gary Hieronymus; both her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Karen Hieronymus; and great-granddaughter Liliana Hieronymus.

Frank Hieronymus entered the U.S. Navy in 1939 and was stationed in San Diego, where he met Helen Carmichael. They married August 4, 1941. Frank came to Westmont as a student in 1946 and was hired to teach at the college in 1950.