Sarah Helen Rapella, age 90, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, after a long battle with dementia.

Born December 4, 1935, in Anderson, SC, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Claudia Bowen. She was married for 29 years to James “Jim” Rapella until his death in 2016. She was also preceded in death by her brother and sister.

Helen graduated from Girls High in Anderson then went on to Lander University and Anderson College. After graduating from college, she went into teaching where she spent the rest of her life teaching all grades in 4 different states. She was a faithful member of Boulevard Baptist Church for many years. Her faith in God and her family were the most important things in her life. Being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother were her greatest accomplishments and blessings.

She is survived by her sons, Brad Hand (Tracey) and Erik Hand (Julie); grandchildren, Amber Crow (Jeremy), Ashley Chandler (Andrew), Kaylie McCoy (Matt), Haylie Hand, and Hayley Sullivan (Jay); great grandchildren, Tinlee McCoy, Oakley McCoy, James Sullivan, and Margot Sullivan; and her beloved Shih Tzu, Max who remained faithfully by her side.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Summit Place for the love, kindness, and exceptional care shown to our mother over the past two years, especially the dedicated Memory Care team.

We would also like to thank Hospice of the Upstate for the compassion, care, and love they showed our mother and our family during this difficult time. Their support made all the difference.

Services are pending. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621, Boulevard Baptist Church, 700 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621, or the National Humane Society, www.nationalhumanesociety.org.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM