GORDON, Helen J. 1922-2013
GORDON, TODD, RICHARDSON, PARKER, ONEIL
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 8/27/2013 at 23:53:41
[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Sunday, July 7, 2013]
Helen J. Gordon was born in 1922 in Plattsmouth, Neb. She died unexpectedly of natural causes July 3, 2013, in Waterloo.
Helen was a fiercely loyal, loving family member and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, LG and Emma Richardson Todd; sisters Gretchen Parker and Betty O’Neil; and in 2007, her husband and life partner, James L. Gordon. Helen and Jim were married in Peoria, Ill., in 1941.
She is survived by two daughters, Kerry of St. Paul, Minn., and Lynne and son-in–law Ray of Missoula, Mont.; as well as sister Peggy (Gordon) of Minnesota, and brothers Tom (Bonnie) of Arizona and Gary (Alsatia) of Arizona. Helen took great pleasure in her four grandchildren, Nathan, Kelly, Andrew and Liz; as well as her five great-grandchildren. Helen loved their company, energy and new ideas.
Helen was a life-long learner. She graduated from West High School and earned both a BA and MA in English Literature from the University of Northern Iowa. Helen was a long-time educator in Waterloo, teaching classes at every level from third grade through college. Students from Irving, Kingsley, Hoover Middle School, Central High School, UNI and Upper Iowa remember Helen as an engaging, charismatic teacher. She cared deeply about her students.
Helen was happiest outdoors, and she delighted in bird watching. A week before her death, Helen was spotted in a tree filling her bird feeders. Community involvement was a big part of her life. Helen was an avid golfer and a member of the Waterloo Women’s Golf Association as well as a member of PEO, the First Congregational Church, and Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity. She delivered Meals on Wheels, taught Sunday school classes, sang in the Village Voices, wrote poetry, joined book groups, and attended community theater, symphony concerts and UNI basketball and football games.
Most of all, Helen loved life. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she had a great sense of humor, a huge spirit, and boundless energy. She will be both missed and remembered.
There will be a Celebration of Life service, mid-August at the First Congregational Church.
Memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church or Friendship Village.
Locke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (319) 233-6138.
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[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, July 17, 2013]NOTE CORRECT DATE OF SERVICE:
Helen Gordon - Celebration of Life service: 10:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, preceded by inurnment in Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends following the service. Locke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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