Helen Virginia Pearce

Helen was born on a cold-wintry day in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the seventh child out of nine. She had four sisters and four brothers. Her parents moved to Salt Lake when she was five and she began first grade here.

Her main goals growing up were to get a college degree in nursing, join a sorority, marry and have children. Her dreams of college, becoming a sorority sister and a nurse never materialized. After a few years working and saving money for college, she ended up getting married instead. Her beau, Dennis A Pearce, had graduated from college and was in the Air Force and ready to assume the responsibility of marriage. Helen did clerical work for the telephone company, Continental Bank, Bank of California (while living in San Francisco one summer with a friend), Fred A. Moreton Company and secretarial work for Sperry Rand. Those were her restless years before getting married and she was always changing jobs.

After serving his country for six years, her husband decided to leave out of the Air Force and purchase a home and settle down permanently in Salt Lake. They resided in Texas, California and Tennessee. They had two sons and a daughter. At one time, Helen sewed clothes for herself, husband and children and did a lot of embroidering and latch-hook projects. She was active in the scouting programs and PTA. She also went back to work for six years as a medical secretary at Holy Cross Hospital.

Helen loved people and has had many satisfying experiences through her church such as being a nursery attendant and Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, studying the Bible and participating in worship services at the prison, a few rest homes and the rescue mission. She served as church clerk, president of the women’s society and worship leader once a month playing piano.

While volunteering at the rescue mission one afternoon, Helen was sharing how she would soon be an empty nester and didn’t know what she would do with her free time. A member of Ladies Literary Club, Jo McNeil, was helping that day and suggested that she may enjoy being a member of Ladies Lit. Jo invited Helen to the bridge section. Helen was very impressed with the beautiful club after walking through the front door. The beautiful chandelier, staircase, windows, paintings on the wall, grand pianos, etc. caught her eye. The luncheon was yummy, the ladies were so friendly, and the cards were good.   After attending a few more meetings, it was very evident to her that the ladies cared deeply for their country, others in their community (especially the youth and the homeless) and one another.  The members were so accomplished, vibrant and gracious and she was thrilled when she was accepted into the club. Helen served many years as treasurer of the board.

Helen played in bowling leagues, liked to play the piano occasionally, read books, travel, and put puzzles together while listening to classical music.  Becoming a grandmother in her so-called golden years was a godsend.  Her daughter–in-law and three grandsons are dear to her heart and she treasured the time spent with her family, relatives and friends.

Helen is survived by her sons Dexter, Daren (Shauna), and three cherished grandsons – Ian, Isaac, and Matthew.  Helen was preceded in death by her daughter Denise, husband Dennis, and her parents David Alfred and Clarinda Alvara (Ohman) Samuelsen.

A celebration of life will be held for Helen on Monday, June 23rd at 11:00 a.m., Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building. Helen will be laid to rest at the Elysian Gardens following the service.