Helen Sarah Otto (1989-2005)

OTTO, ANTONOVITZ

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 11/15/2005 at 18:46:04

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, November 15, 2005.

Helen Sarah Otto, a sophomore student at Ames High School, died peacefully early Monday at Israel Family Hospice in Ames. Her death followed a courageous, life-affirming battle with cancer. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Sat. Nov. 19, at First Christian Church, 611 Clark Ave., in Ames.

Born in Ames on Oct. 22, 1989, Helen attended Roosevelt Elementary and Ames Middle School and continued class work this fall at Ames High, despite health setbacks and intensified treatments. She had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer affecting mainly teens, in February 2002. Rather than yield to this physical misfortune, she confronted the new challenge with determination to live life to the fullest.

She loved travels with her family, which included a trip to the San Juan Islands in Northern Washington just four months ago. A voracious and advanced reader, gifted with a first-rate mind, she redoubled her interests in books, films and socializing with friends. Among the latter were almost as many adults as young people, a tribute to Helen's maturity. For times of relaxation, she took up knitting with a vengeance.

Helen was far more than an achiever. She exhibited a sweetness and generosity of spirit and a sprightly sense of humor throughout the most enjoyable and the most difficult times. She was and always will be an inspiration to all who knew her.

Helen is survived by one brother, Paul; her parents, Dan Otto and Fran Antonovitz; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and a host of friends, all of whom loved her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Children's Cancer Center, Teen Programming/Attn. Patti Rawson, at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines.

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