I had the good fortune of working with Helen at the Bank of New York in the 1980's. I quickly came to admire Helen's intelligence, dignity, and kind nature, and we became friends. Helen had a gruff boss, but she was his foil in her professionalism - which went a long way to make the office a nice place to work. She was unfailingly polite and respectful - even when needing to correct others' mistakes. I'm convinced had she had the chance, she could have run the whole bank! I'd moved to NY from NC just months prior to joining the bank and working with Helen, and she was empathetic to my being away from family and I felt cared for in many ways. She was modest yet proud, of her work, of doing her best, and a more loyal employee couldn't be found. Her retirement was truly a loss in that office. We kept in touch and I'm happy her later years were full of the family she loved so much. I am better for having known her and mourn with you. She was a bright spot in every day I worked with her, and I'm sure she continues to shine.