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Age 87, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away Friday, May 25, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born January 12, 1914 in Cleveland, Utah to Icelandic-Mormon Immigrants John and Frieda Thorderson. She spent her growing up years in Cleveland Utah and graduated as Valedictorian of her High School class. She attended the U. of Utah, Snow College, U. of Idaho, and graduated from BYU in 1937, and eventually taught school in Monticello Utah, where she met her husband. She married David Evans of Lehi Utah on July 19, 1938 at Sunrise point in Bryce Canyon, Utah, later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He preceded her in death on November 10, 1957. They moved to Berkeley California in 1940 where they raised their two daughters, Sunya Grossman, and Sue Spencer. She taught Kindergarten in Berkeley at Cragmont Elementary for 35 years and had a wonderful reputation as an outstanding teacher. She received her Masters Degree and did extensive graduate work at the University of California-Berkeley. She loved learning and firmly believed that 'The Glory of God is Intelligence.' Helga was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in various callings and was known as a great teacher and musician with a wonderful singing voice. She will be well remembered for her expertise in choir directing, and organizing outstanding musical programs. She was a great Family Historian, and in future generations will be highly regarded for her work abridging her Icelandic family history into an extensive but very enjoyable book called 'Vestmannaeyjar's Children'. This Book was widely published and cherished throughout her extended family. She was a woman of strong values and standards which she received from her parents. She always remembered the great love her Father had for America, and she always taught her daughters and grandchildren to love America and demonstrate high standards of citizenship. She always took great pride in her posterity and supported them in all their achievements. Survivors include her two daughters, Sunya Grossman of Las Vegas, NV, Sue Spencer of Turlock, CA; 14 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband; three brothers, Lawrence, Julius, Parley; her half-sister Tildy; and both parents. Funeral services will be Thursday May 31, 2001, 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Berkeley, CA on the corner of Walnut and Vine Street. Interment will be at the Sunset Cemetery, El Cerrito, CA following the funeral services. |