Helen Ann Reidelberger's Obituary
Helen Ann Reidelberger, age 85 of San Bruno, CA, formerly of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on July 27, 2010 with family and friends by her side after suffering a stroke. Helen was born on September 19, 1924, a daughter to Luther and Hazel (Howard) Reidelberger. She attended grade school and high school in Pinckneyville, IL. Helen received her Master's degree in education from Washington University, St. Louis, MO. She taught for several years in St. Louis, MO. In 1959, she accepted a teaching position in Salinas, CA. A few years later, she moved to San Carlos. Helen was a renowned and published reading specialist. She served as chair of the English Department. Helen was often recognized as Teacher of the Year. She loved to travel and taught overseas in Germany. Helen also earned a Masters in teaching English as a second language. Her final work was teaching classes for Asian Americans and other newcomers to the United States at the San Mateo senior citizen center. Helen lived in San Bruno for many years. She was very active at the Church of the Highland, where she also taught and attended most prayer meetings. She was inspired by her father to helped fight for the rights of coal miners in Southern Illinois. Helen spent much of her life caring for her mother, Hazel and her sister, Alice during their decline. Until the end of her life, she continued serving others. She was planning to have friends over for dinner after she had attended her great-niece's first birthday. Helen continued to visit and inspire family and friends in San Bruno, San Jose, Salinas, CA, and in Winona, WI. She will be dearly missed by countless friends in her church, her community and across the country. She is survived by her older brother, Jacque; and cousins, Jo Allen, Robert Edward, Max Keene and Erma Erwin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Alice. Graveside services will be held at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?