Born Helen Louise Watry, Oct. 11, 1919 in Santa Ana, Calif., she passed away Friday, May 1, 2009 at her home in Carson City following a brief illness. She graduated from Alhambra High School in 1937 and went on to study at Art Center College. Helen had a varied career first as a commercial illustrator in Pasadena, California and Washington D.C., then as a successful business manager and later real estate executive in Southern California.
Helen especially enjoyed painting, pottery, gardening and travel. She retired from real estate in 1986 and moved to Pebble Beach, which brought gradually quieter times and a positive view of getting older. Willard Scott in his book The Older the Fiddle the Better the Tune quoted Helen on the best things about aging: "Freedom and time to do what you enjoy most - maybe even being lazy! How about breakfast at 2:00 p.m.?" In 2005, she moved to Carson City where she made many new friends.
For 58 years Helen was happily married to Carl Bernard Carlson until his death in 1998.
She is survived by her son Randy of Carson City and her granddaughter Amanda of Rochester, N.Y.
At Helen's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to: Food for Thought, P.O. Box 656, Carson City, NV 89702.