In Memory

Helen Fennell (Lail) - Class Of 1944

Helen Fennell (Lail)

Helen Fennell Lail died May 16, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Helen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on May 28, 1925 to Earl and Louise Taylor Fennell. They lived there for six years before coming to the United States.

At the age of 19 Helen met the love of her life, Bill Lail while living in southern California. After a wonderful romance they eloped and were married in July 1945 in Salinas, California. Three days later, her husband Bill was shipped out to the Pacific. Left alone so quickly after their marriage, Helen went to live with Bill's parents on the Albee Ranch in Montana. While awaiting his return she was a school teacher for the rural students in the Big Hole Basin. Upon his return they moved to the beach area of Southern California where they resided until moving to Abilene, Texas in the early 1960s.

Helen found great joy in the Texas ranch style life. Always surrounded by a loving family - the gatherings were endless. Her love of life made her the rock and center of our family. Her unconditional love resides in all of us. She will be greatly missed.

Helen is survived by her husband bill; three children - Gary, Connie, and James; one loving sister, Diane Fennell Simpson (SPHS '50), and eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Abilene Reporter-News, May 18, 2011