Helen M. Freedle, beloved sister of Mrs. Elizabeth Freedle Risk (SPHS '18) and Mrs. Velma V. Dean; died February 5, 1973. She is also survived by five nieces and nephews; ten grand-nieces and nephews; and one great-grandnephew.
My great-aunt Helen was the first member of my family to attend and graduate from SPHS. She was an amazing woman, much ahead of her time and a major influence on my life.
Helen was born in Greenfield, MO in 1893. The family moved to Pueblo, CO in 1902. Subsequently they moved to South Pasadena when my grandmother, Mary Elizabeth (SPHS, 1918) was two years old. The moves were in response to my great-grandmother and great-uncle suffering from TB. Both of them passed shortly after they relocated to South Pasadena. As the eldest child, Helen took on many family responsibilties while her father ran a small neighborhood grocery store. These early experiences were the foundation for her independence and success in her adult life.
After high school, Helen worked as a typist for Pacific Electric, which operated the red street cars that ran between Los Angeles and Pasadena as well as other routes. She loved typing and playing the piano, which, I believe are related skills I never developed! PE was eventually merged into South Pacific Railroad. Helen became the first female executive for the railroad. At the time of her retirement at the age of 65, Helen had served as the Human Resources Manager for many years.
Linda Risk (Velluti) (1966)
Linda Risk (Velluti) (1966)
My great-aunt Helen was the first member of my family to attend and graduate from SPHS. She was an amazing woman, much ahead of her time and a major influence on my life.
Helen was born in Greenfield, MO in 1893. The family moved to Pueblo, CO in 1902. Subsequently they moved to South Pasadena when my grandmother, Mary Elizabeth (SPHS, 1918) was two years old. The moves were in response to my great-grandmother and great-uncle suffering from TB. Both of them passed shortly after they relocated to South Pasadena. As the eldest child, Helen took on many family responsibilties while her father ran a small neighborhood grocery store. These early experiences were the foundation for her independence and success in her adult life.
After high school, Helen worked as a typist for Pacific Electric, which operated the red street cars that ran between Los Angeles and Pasadena as well as other routes. She loved typing and playing the piano, which, I believe are related skills I never developed! PE was eventually merged into South Pacific Railroad. Helen became the first female executive for the railroad. At the time of her retirement at the age of 65, Helen had served as the Human Resources Manager for many years.
Submitted by Lin Velluti
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