Helen Anne Bertrand, Ph.D. died in Hospice care at Green Valley, Az. on July 24, 2019 of metastatic liver cancer. She was born on November 24, 1939 at Wilmington, Delaware to parents Louis Bertrand (deceased 2002) and Anne Lysle Robertson Bertrand (deceased 1984).
Helen attended Wilmington’s Mt Pleasant schools and later was an Honor Roll Society Member graduating in 1957 from Henry C. Conrad High School. During her senior year she and her family hosted American Field Service student Antoinette Linthorst (nee Longenfeld) of the Netherlands. In 1961, Helen graduated with a BS Degree from the University of Deleware. She later attended North Carolins State University where she received a doctorate in micro biology. Upon competing her post doctorate internship at Womens Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., she was granted a professorship at the University of Texas Medical School, San Antonio, Texas. There she taught and was engaged in medical research for the next thirty plus years.
Twenty years ago Helen retired to Arizona to be near her family in Green Valley, Az., where Helen has been active in the Valley Presbyterian Church, singing in the 75 member church choir. Helen traveled extensively with her beloved sister Eleanor throughout the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Helen was predeceased by her beloved nephew, Matthew Bertrand. She is survived by her much beloved sister Eleanor Bertrand of Green Valley, Az, beloved bothers Hiram Ohio Mayor Lou (Sharon) Bertrand, James (Sharon) Bertrand, Tucson, Az., beloved nephews: Rob and Chris Bertrand, beloved nieces: Elisa Nixon and Laura Forro, five beloved grand nephews and a grand niece.
Cremation has taken place. Helen is interred near her parents at the Grant Road Cemetery, Tucson, Ariz. A memorial and celebration of life service with Holy Communion is planned in the afternoon at the Valley Presbyterian Church, Green Valley, Ariz on Friday, November 8, 2019.
Memorial donations may be made to Valley Presbyterian Church, 2800 S Camino Del Sol, Green Valley, AZ 85622 | Phone: 520.625.5023 | Fax: 520.625.4289
