PORTSMOUTH- Katrina "Kitty" Jean Bruckse Helwig, 85, passed away April 9, 2018. She was born in Portsmouth to the late Nicholas and Lillian Bruckse.

Kitty was a Class of '49 graduate of Churchland High School. She retired after 36 years of service as Head of Contracts Division for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

In addition to her parents, Kitty was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William C. Helwig; her brother, Thomas G. Bruckse; and her sister, Bettie Ann Bruckse Thompson. She is survived by her son, Kris Helwig and wife Caroline Arcese; a brother, Richard N. Bruckse and wife Phyllis of Windsor, VA; a sister, Donna Marie Bruckse Barham of Glenn Allen, VA; two grandsons, Anthony and Alexander; and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00a.m. Thursday, April 12, at Church of St. Therese, 4137 Portsmouth Blvd., Chesapeake. A Liturgy of the Resurrection will follow at 11:00a.m. Burial will be at Olive Branch Cemetery, 2 Cpl. J. M. Williams Ave., Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oasis of Portsmouth-Chesapeake, 800 Williamsburg Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.