Helene D. Heller (aka Debra Heller), 93, of Philadelphia, died Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Jefferson Hospital. Born in South Philadelphia, Debra was the daughter of the late Edward and Sally (Spector) Bernstein. Debra was an unconventional woman, always looking for adventure and finding beauty in the world. At age 19, she moved to Paris for several years working as an actress and traveling through Europe. She then moved to New York for a few more years living in Greenwich Village and hanging out in the art and music world with jazz musician greats, including Miles Davis and Billie Holiday. She returned to Philadelphia to marry real estate developer, Ralph Heller, and raise their three daughters: Edana, Melissa, and Jennifer. She was creative and worked as an interior designer and decorator and then as the special events coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Anthropology and Archeology, where she developed its first Chinese and African cultural days. She was passionate about the arts, both theatrical and visual. 

Survivors: Daughter Edana Desatnick (Lloyd) of Teaneck, NJ; daughter Melissa Heller (Albert Mezzaroba) of Merion Station, PA; daughter Jennifer Heller (Lou Lappen) of Wynnewood, PA; grandchildren Bryan, Lauren (Alex Adler) and Sarah Desatnick, Naomi and Nathan Heller Batzer, and Rachel and Becca Lappen; great grandchild Benjamin Adler. She was predeceased by her brother Arnold Bernstein. 

Burial and Shiva: A private graveside burial for the immediate family will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Shiva services will be that Tuesday from 5:30-8pm at 403 Charles Lane, Wynnewood, PA 19096, and will continue in Teaneck, NJ beginning on Thursday. 

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Matheny Medical and Educational Center at 65 Highland Avenue, Peapack, NJ 07977.