The Desert Tortoise Council
In Memoriam - Pat von Helf

Pat von Helf

Pat von Helf passed away on March 26, 2011 at the Health Center in Redlands, 15 days after collapsing unexpectedly. Pat has been active in the Desert Tortoise Council since the mid-1990s, when she began serving at the registration desk for the Desert Tortoise Council's symposia. Her skills at organization were a much-needed and a welcome addition to the annual symposia. In 2004 she received a Service Award from the Desert Tortoise Council for numerous years of service. In 2006, Pat became Corresponding Secretary, a position she held until her death. Pat's life was characterized by public service in education. After receiving a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1956, she obtained a master of arts degree from California State University, Los Angeles. She taught the visually handicapped in San Bernardino and Riverside counties on a full-time basis until 1992, then part time until a year ago. She was the representative to management for the teachers union for many years. Pat will be sorely missed; as Corresponding Secretary, she measurably improved the incoming flow of mail. As a member of the Host Committee and a mainstay at the registration desk for the annual symposia, her dedication and experience were unparalleled. Pat will be buried at the National cemetery in Riverside; services are pending.

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