Passing a Christian Science reading room recently in Auburn, CA reminded me of Helen so I looked her up and was very sorry to learn that she had passed. I worked for Helen in the late 80's as an undergrad, and I have fond memories of browsing through Helen's beautiful photographs to make cards, keychains, and magnets. Helen was a very kind, generous, and trusting person, which has stayed with me to this day. One time she took me to a service at the stunning Mother Church in Boston; she didn't try to 'convert' me but was just sharing  her faith and heritage with me, and I came away with great respect for her and the church. Thank you Helen for being a positive influence in my life, and may your kind soul rest in peace!

-Sara Jotoku (nee Glenn)

Helen Eddy was a superb person with exquisite taste. I just finished viewing online the splendid Celebration of Helen's Life Service. It brought back my memories of Helen.  One of Helen's cards caught my eye as I was leaving a gift shop. I knew that I had to purchase the card. Since Helen's phone number was on the back of the card, I called her. She was so professional and kind, and I decided in the future to purchase Helen's beautiful cards directly from her. Several of her cards I gave to friends and family, and some I have treasured and kept. Also, I have fond memories of talking to Helen, especially when she took me on a tour of her office/work room. David said he was not allowed in her office/work room! I considered it an honor. Also, I always looked forward to Helen's excellent yard sales. There were so many lovely items. Indeed, it has been a year, and I miss Helen.  I hope that all of Helen's loved ones find solace in their memories because:

Memories are meant to be treasured.

Their value can never be measured. 

By Karen Shepard

I inadvertently left my notes at home when I went off to the celebration of life service, so I decided to wing it.  I promised that I'd post my remarks here, so that's what this is.  In speaking to a friend before the service, I remembered how The remarks I'd prepared started, so the first bit of this is is part of what I said from the podium.

I married Helen 34 years ago (in this very sanctuary) because God told me to take care of her. This was the deepest and most specific impulsion I had ever felt from God up to that time. As a Christian Scientist, I knew that this didn’t mean that God wasn’t taking care of her—He always has and always will—but that at that point, she needed and deserved a human manifestation of that care. The more I learned more about Helen, the more amazed I was at all that she’d gone through—the hardships she had overcome and the individual success she was gradually gaining.

So my prayer now is “Thank you, God, for letting me be a part of Your care for Helen, for allowing me to experience so much of her care and devotion.

Jesus’ parable of the laborers who get the same pay whether they had worked the full day or just the last hour seems confusing, but I’ve always let it sit quietly in my thought, awaiting my understanding, and now I think I’ve found an application: Many of us have known Helen for a long time. But since she was always working on broadening her range, some are new friends. So whether we’ve worked with her the full day or just the last hour, we can all consider ourselves blessed.

And today we can fill things in for each other. That’s why we are here. You may have heard me say that we all all trustees now of the qualities we saw in Helen. Today we learn about and celebrate those qualities, and tomorrow we put them into practice in our own lives.

Helen would have us learn more about beauty and joy. I could expound all day on these words—and I might, if you come up to me at the reception following this service. But I just wanted to say a little about joy right now. The Bible, which Helen loved, uses the word “joy” as a verb sometimes. Where the King James Version says that God “will joy over thee with singing”, another Bible translation I was looking at recently says “He will celebrate with singing because of you”. That stood out to me because we’re calling this service a celebration of life.

I have more to say, but instead of me going on, I’ve written the rest of my ramblings into the program. And now to continue our focus on joy, let’s sing hymn number 75.

Dear David, 

 David K. and I were able to attend your celebration of Helen's life on the 26th and so appreciated being able to do that!  You both have a very special place in our hearts as we remember your warm  welcome  when we arrived in Boston in 2014.   

We loved coming to your Christmas gatherings and Helen tickled me pink when she took pictures of my little Christmas Tree Cookies (my contribution to one of your parties) and then made lovely cards of them to send us for several years afterwards!  I always loved loved loved Helen's dresses and unique style, her warm, kind eyes,  and we consider you both to be special friends. 

When I heard Helen had changed addresses, I thought first of these words from Mrs. Eddy... Miscellaneous Writings page 188:3-5:  

"Man is as perfect now, and henceforth, and forever, as when the stars first sang together and creation joined in the grand chorus of harmonious being." 

We send our love to you, David, and look forward to seeing you when we are next in Boston!  

Ashley and David Kennedy   

Hello David, Helen's sisters and friends,

What a lovely celebration of Helen yesterday! We so appreciated being able to watch it live from home. What wonderfully inspiring readings, and very special to hear from those near and dear to Helen. Most of all, I felt the spirit that Helen expressed so beautifully to so many people--such joy and delight and love of sharing! She was surely motivated by love--love of beauty, discovery, creativity, all the goodness of God--and love for others. What a shining example of giving--the outpouring of her talents and her generous spirit towards others. She has touched many lives and will continue to do so!  Thank you for hosting this special event honoring dear Helen. 

With love,

Joan Wolcott and Craig Elliott

Dear David, Frances, Mary, and Jean,

Virginia and I have the fondest and joyfilled memories ushering with you David, and Helen at The Mother Church. Forever etched in thought is the image of Helen standing faithfully supporting the service at her platform position! We send our love and gratitude for all those happy moments with you both! The service was so moving and powerful with the amazing impact of Helen's loving life on everyone. It is really being deeply felt by us all, and is carrying an afterglow with it.  And it was great to see all of the heartwarming photos of Helen and you and your many friends and places that you shared together. With ongoing thanks for the blesssing of your lives and friendships, we send you much love and gratitude.

Brad & Virginia Hughes 

I only knew of Helen by her beautiful and unique collage cards that I would happily find in all different shops in the course of my wanderings. I cut out the collage of a rainbow from one card that I had received long ago and it has been on my refrigerator for years, even as I’ve moved. It’s such a happy piece.

I hope that Helen’s soul has found eternal peace and am sure that her spirit will live on in the beauty she has created here on earth.