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Danforth, Helen A.
Helen A. Danforth, 89, of Mount Vernon, died Thursday, July 29, 2010, in her home. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow. Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon, is helping the family with arrangements.
Helen was born March 28, 1921, in Honolulu, T.H. (Territory of Hawaii), the daughter of Frank A. and Flora Clyde Danforth.
Helen was educated in the public schools in Osage, Iowa. She earned her bachelor's degree at Cornell College, Phi Beta Kappa, in 1942, her master's at Northwestern University, and did post master's work at Northwestern and at the University of Michigan. Between 1942 and 1979, she taught in elementary schools in Iowa, Michigan, the Dependents' schools in Heidelberg and Nurnberg, Germany, and in Winnetka, Ill.
Following optional early retirement in Winnetka, she moved to Mount Vernon. She taught and supervised student teachers for Cornell College from 1979 to 1987. She did similar work later for Mount Mercy and Coe colleges.
Her publications included self-instructive materials for elementary youngsters in the fields of English and mathematics and monographs for parents for the public schools in Winnetka, Ill.
Helen enjoyed travel, chiefly in Europe, and also to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. She was an avid reader, an amateur gardener and an active member of the United Methodist Church, Ingleside Book Club and the League of Women Voters, all of Mount Vernon.
Surviving Helen are many cousins, including Jerry (Nan) Danforth of Cedar Rapids, Margaret (Mike) Potter of Richfield, Minn., Peter (Meg) Ash of Atlanta, Ga., Sherry Ash of Bala Cynwyd, Pa., Madeleine Clyde of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Alan Clyde of La Habra, Calif.
Helen had a wide community of friends, including long time friend, Mercedes Dolan of Cedar Rapids.
Helen requests no flowers.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 304 First St. W., Mount Vernon, IA 52314; Cornell College, 600 W. 1st. W., Mount Vernon, IA 52314; and Fellowship of Reconciliation, which works for peace, justice and non-violence, 521 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960.
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