Among the 16-18 family members (many of whom traveled a great distance to gather here) was her twin brother John. The event which included many photos from Helen's eventful life (she worked internationally before settling here at the Elizabeth in 1981), a printed book of her memoirs, hot hors d'oeuvres, Swedish meatballs and other Swedish cuisine, abundant spirits (inlcuding warm glug for a toast to Helen), live piano music (one of accomplished residents played), and numerous testimonies of Helen's eloquence, style, intelligence, and good humor.
One of Helen's colleagues from her working days told me about how impressed she was with our building -- how beautiful it is and how it was like a warm living room unlike anything she had ever seen. One of the last things Helen said to fellow Elizabethan Al Muller was that she hoped people here would make every effort to get along. This gathering was exactly that. Helen, who was a pianist herself, would have loved the good feeling from the community who gathered here today. Those of us who knew Helen, a former ECA Board member and participant on ECA committees, will miss her good common sense, high standards, and love of life.
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