My Dear Friend, Helen

Many of you know that I was privileged to teach Spanish lessons to an amazing woman, Helen Nelson. I met her almost 6 years ago, and immediately loved her. What 90+ year old would have the inclination to learn a foreign language?!? She is such a special woman in many people's lives, and I feel blessed to have been one of them. She returned home to be with her sweet husband yesterday. How happy she must be; she missed him so much.
Until we meet again, I love you Helen.

Helen Spencer Nelson 1/4/1913 ~ 5/11/2010 Our beautiful sweet Helen Nelson, passed away on May 11, 2010. Helen was the daughter of Charles H. and Martha E. Spencer. She married Ray Nelson on July 11, 1931. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They were happily married for 71 years. Ray preceded her in death eight years ago. Ray was the love of her life. Helen and Ray with her parents formed the C. H. Spencer and Company. The company continued to grow and prosper selling industrial and power plant equipment in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming. Helen and Ray ran and operated the company until 1981, at which time it was sold and they retired. Helen and Ray have provided many scholarships to students studying engineering, music and business. They made generous contributions to the Primary Children's Hospital, Brigham Young University, BYU-Idaho, Hillsdale College, and Dixie State College. Helen enjoyed music very much. She was a gifted pianist and organist and freely shared her talent. Helen was a faithful member of the LDS church and was active in her callings. While in Bloomington in the winters, Ray and Helen served in the St. George Temple. Helen is a regal lady with the capacity to open her heart to all those with whom she came in contact. She gathered everyone in and had lasting friendships with people of all ages. She never forgot names, everyone was welcomed into her lovely home and they never left without a small bottle of juice, a piece of candy or a handful of nuts. Helen was an example of love and charity much of which was known only to God. Helen made it financially possible for many young men to serve missions. She had a deep and abiding faith in God and loved the Savior and followed his example of service to others. Helen is survived by adopted children Marna P. Berry and Jim Jensen. Much thanks to her devoted care givers Gail Dennis, Blanca Lockwood, and Darcie Walsh. Also thanks to her trusted friend, Lee Derrick. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood 12th Ward, 1750 East Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. Friends may call Thursday 6-8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 Highland Drive and one hour prior to the services at the Ward. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Primary Children's Medical Center, 100 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84113.