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Helen Reed Obituary
Evansville, Indiana
Helen Skuggedal Reed, 68, of Evansville, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017, at St. Mary's Medical Center. She was born June 19, 1948 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to the late Johan and Anna (Ringdal) Skuggedal.
Most recently, she was teaching at the University of Evansville as instructor of organ and harpsichord. She was also principal organist and harpsichordist for the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, and organist of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. She was also the librarian for the William H. Miller Law Library in the Vanderburgh Circuit and Superior Courts.
Helen is survived by her son, Eric Reed, his wife, Sarah Zun, and their son, Oliver; Eric's father and Helen's dear friend, Douglas Reed; and brother, John Skuggedal and Deirdre Floyd.
Friends may visit Wednesday, March 22, 2017, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel. A memorial service and concert will be held at First Presbyterian Church at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Giesecke Organ Project, 609 SE Second Street, Evansville, IN 47713. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Reed
Sponsored by Alexander Funeral Home-East Chapel - Evansville.
Al and Maureen Martinez
March 17, 2022
John, prayers of comfort to you, especially the warm memories and happy family moments with Helen when you were together. In your heart, she is always there.
Heidi Mayer
March 15, 2021
I'm still missing Helen and disbelieving that she is no longer with us. She was such a generous person, talented musician, with the ability to support and nurture all around her.
Stephen Pâté (Pottie)
July 12, 2019
Sorry to read your mother passed. We went to Jr High and Halifax West together and were born 4 days apart in Halifax. She was a brilliant student and accomplished pianist if I remember correctly. Helen was also one of the most pleasant and respectable people at Halifax West. Rest In Peace
Gordon Marryatt
October 26, 2017
I often heard Helen play at All Saints Cathedral in Halifax when she was a star among those fortunate enough to study with Dr. Farmer. Just now in October learning of her passing, let me offer my condolences to all others who mourn for her. God bless.
Ron and Norma Faust
June 17, 2017
Prayers and sympathy.
Alice Larkin
April 17, 2017
I was a reference librarian at the Evansville (Indiana) Public Library for some 25 years and would speak to Helen on occasion in her capacity as the librarian for the Vanderburgh In. Law Library. I also attended concerts in which she sang and an Evansville Philharmonic concert in which she was a featured soloist on harpsichord, a memorable performance. i didn't know Helen well but she always struck me as unfailingly gracious, capable, and helpful. I only became aware of her death a few days ago and and was sorry to learn of it.
Gonsholt Family
April 2, 2017
It was with great sadness we received the news of the untimely passing of our dear cousin, Helen.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you and your family, Eric, and also with you, John and Deirdre.
To lose a dear mother, sister and cousin leaves a great void in all our lives.
Please accept our condolences and sincere love from Norway and the whole Gonsholt family: Helene, Astrid, Kari, Ole and Åge.
Gonsholt Family
April 1, 2017
It was with great sadness we received the news of the untimely passing of our dear cousin, Helen.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you and your family, Eric, and also with you, John and Deirdre.
To lose a dear mother sister and cousin leaves a great void in all our lives.
Please accept our condolences and sincere love from Norway and the whole Gonsholt family: Helene, Astrid, Kari, Ole and Åge.
Sandra Mangsen
March 29, 2017
Helen's contribution to the Historical Keyboard Society over several years was critical to the organization's success. Always, but especially when there were controversial issues before us, she was simply wonderful to work with: responsible, calm, generous. Although I did't know her family and saw her only once or twice each year, I will miss her very much at our meetings.
Anne and Kari Evensen
March 27, 2017
We, Anne and Kari Evensen, are so sorry to hear about Helens death. We have a lot of warm memories from Helens and Johns visits to Norway. Our thoughts go to Eric and John.
Daniel Harmer
March 25, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Helen's death. I send my condolences to all her family I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
I met Helen in Halifax (late 1960's) through singing with The English Choral Singers, and then with The Morley Singers. Her great personality, perfect pitch, and musical talent all contributed significantly to the works sung by these groups. It was a privilege to sing with her.
March 25, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rachelle Dumas
March 24, 2017
I am still shocked and saddened that Helen is no longer with us. I am privileged to have known 2 generations of Skuggedal women and cherish those memories. My thoughts are with you, family and friends who may read this.
David Kelzenberg
March 24, 2017
While I have not met Helen's family, I have had the great honor and pleasure to work closely with her for years in the Historical Keyboard Society of North America, first as Secretary and now as Vice President. Helen was a consummate professional, a talented musician, and a dear friend. I have had weekly if not daily contact with her for a long time, and was very much looking forward to seeing her at our conference in a few weeks. Our loss is great; I will miss her warmth and gentle wit. My deepest sympathy is extended to her loved ones. May you find comfort in knowing how much she meant to so many people.
Heidi Mayer
March 24, 2017
I am stunned by Helen's death. As a consummate musician, she will be greatly missed by those with whom she performed and those she mentored. Having performed with her with our harpsichord quartet, I was always amazed at her vast experience, incredible musicianship, calm under pressure, and her wit and grace.
She knew what she wanted out of life, which was to perform as much as possible, to make up for lost time, and she pursued her dreams. I will always think of her with admiration and affection.
It is impossible to believe that she is no longer with us. I pray for the family and dear friends of Helen's, that they may find comfort and support in each other as they deal with this true tragedy.
Dear Helen, How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place now.
David Wright
March 24, 2017
So Sorry to hear of Helen's untimely accident and passing. She and I were colleagues at both UE and with the EPO. Helen was a consummate professional but also a person with a deceptively wry wit which I always appreciated! Condolences from both Jylene and myself.
Pat and Dave Marienau
March 23, 2017
We're so deeply saddened by Helen's death. She was tremendously talented and a gift to Evansville. We'll certainly miss her at the keyboards. In my last conversation with Helen, we were talking about our new grandchildren and what a special time it is for us. Heartfelt condolences.
March 23, 2017
My sincere condolences to Helen's family. She was a fine person and an outstanding musician. We will miss her very much!
Venita Hooper
Paul Irvin
March 22, 2017
My condolences to Doug Reed and to Eric and his family on this sudden loss. Helen was certainly a fine and wonderful person, as so many others also recognize. May all those left behind be able to rejoice in what she brought to their lives.
Leslie Newman
March 22, 2017
I am truly saddened to learn of Helen's passing. Helen was so kind and helpful to me when I was a young lawyer and went to the Vanderburgh Law Library to do research. She served as a mentor and guide and I am forever indebted to her. And then we learned we share the love of music and I was so fortunate to hear Helen play numerous times and to have her and Douglas visit at St. Paul's in Henderson. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Dawn Kelsey
March 22, 2017
Helen was extremely kind and helpful to me as a law clerk and then a young lawyer doing legal research at the Vanderburgh County Law Library. Later, I was so excited to see her played the harpiscord at cantatas at First United Methodist Church. Prayers to her family.
March 22, 2017
How sorry I was to read of Helen"s death in the Halifax paper. I was her grade XI English teacher, and she was one of the most brilliant students I ever taught. In addition too all her academic achievements,she was a very lovely young girl.
I often wondered what line of work she would follow as she had such a field to choose from. (so music won out)
68 is too young an age for one who had so much to offer.
My condolences to the family. Although I do not know you personally. I know you have been blessed b Helen"s life.
Rhoda Jean Fraser
(Halifax)
March 22, 2017
Douglas and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dr. Kyle King and the team at Evansville Eyecare Associates
March 22, 2017
I was sad to hear that Helen passed. I did not know her very well but I knew her when we were in Ann Arbor. I am more a friend of your dad. Please give him my condolences. Barbara Shier Emerson
Beverly Corn-VanHaaften
March 22, 2017
She was such a gentle soul and will not be forgotten in the legal community.
Mark Mitchell
March 22, 2017
Dear Eric and family,
May she rest in peace and continue to live in the lives of all whom she touched.
Blessings,
Patty O'Neill
March 22, 2017
I will always remember Helen for her warm and wonderful smile. She always made me feel like she was so happy to see me. Just getting to see her made me happy. She always was so interested in what our sons Doug and Matt were doing. And she loved sharing what you,Eric, and your family were doing. Of course, the highlight of her life was her grand baby. She was always looking forward to her next chance to be with this precious baby. She was so proud of you Eric and your family. I know I will really miss seeing her. The whole music community will miss her. But I know what a great loss and shock this is for you and your Dad. My own father died quite suddenly in a car accident when I was in my twenties. It is really hard to lose a dearly loved parent suddenly. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. My heart goes out to you your Dad and the rest of your family.
Deborah Steinbar
March 22, 2017
So sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was a wonderful person with such a kind and gracious heart. I truly appreciate attending several summers of harpsichord study with her in Ann Arbor, performing together in our harpsichord quartet, and the many wonderful experiences and memories of her. Deepest condolences to her family.
Annette Garrison
March 22, 2017
We had the privilege of being a part of cantatas where Helen played for our church. Lovely and talented. Our condolences. Michael and Annette Garrison Henderson KY
Shelley Houser
March 21, 2017
I met Ms. Reed several times while a student at University of Evansville in the 1990's. I was a huge fan of hers, and was so impressed with her skill on the harpsichord. I went to Handel's Messiah a few times, and was just blown away with her performances. I was very saddened to read of her passing.
Rick Grant
March 21, 2017
I was very sorry to hear of Helen's passing. My condolences to Eric Reed, his family and those close to Helen. I knew Helen in high school at Halifax West. Not well. We weren't close only because we traveled in different company. I do remember her brilliance and academic achievements. However, the most enduring memories I have of Helen were her gentle nature and her humility. I remember seeing Helen through the summer of 1968. She was sharing an apartment with a girl who I was dating. Helen was still the gracious young woman I knew in school. The last time I saw her was in 1969. I hope she had a wonderful life. She was a remarkable, memorable lady.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Rick Grant
Halifax
Joseph Choi
March 21, 2017
What a joy was to make music with you every other week
When we arrive early on a Sunday morning to make music together with Eastminster Presbyterian Church choir! You have been also instrumental in accompanying many young people with EPO Concerto competition,
University of Evansville Concerto competitions, Evansville Chapter of AGO and your duties as organist/harpsichord musician with Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and your presence will be deeply missed.
Condolesence to Eric Reed and Dr. Reed family.
Diane Earle
March 21, 2017
I had the privilege of collaborating with Helen on several occasions, and especially enjoyed playing Bach's Concerto for Four Harpsichords with Doug and Helen on two of the others. Helen was a class act, kind person, and super organist. My condolences and prayers for the family.
March 21, 2017
Helen has been our friend since the Freemans came to the University of Evansville in 1977. She was our neighbor and she was a person who got things done (at home, at church, in the Law Library, and in the community). She was so proud of Eric, his talent and his family. And, she loved all who called her friend. She helped the Freemans so many times and we so enjoyed our social times together with Helen and Doug. All the musicians who knew Helen should come together for her memorial service and make the music reflect the glory of this good Christian lady's life! Don and Ina Freeman, Pensacola, Florida
Matt Boatmon
March 21, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. We just saw her in Evansville in October. She'll be very much missed.
Matt Boatmon
Darryl Roland
Mike Whynot
March 21, 2017
John, I just read Helen's obituary in today's paper. My condolences to you and your family.
March 21, 2017
What a precious lady Helen was, and what a beautiful gift of music she shared with everyone. She was a blessing to the world. My deepest sympathies to those who will always miss her.
Maureen Phinney
March 21, 2017
It was a joy and a delight for me to be Helen's friend, ever since we were both eight years old. Her kindness, intelligence, honesty and sense of humour over the years have left me with many wonderful memories to cherish. Her loving spirit will be deeply missed.
Sincere condolences to Helen's family.
Jordan Friedman
March 21, 2017
I knew Helen through the Historical Keyboard Society of North America. She kindly encouraged me and complemented my amateur harpsichord playing when I was an administrative assistant for the 2010 meeting at Beloit College when I was only a freshman, and I've seen her every Spring since then. I was looking forward to catching up next month in Greenville. This is a terrible shock--Helen was kind, talented, energetic, and contagiously funny and optimistic. Her harpsichord and organ playing was sensitive and inventive and her lectures were illuminating and engaging. Condolences, prayers, and good wishes to her family and friends.
Becky Simpkins
March 21, 2017
Helen seemed to elegantly glide into the room and immediately you knew you were in the presence of a kind, genuine spirit full of passion. Her spirit and inspiration lives on. Heartfelt thoughts to her family.
Timothy Zifer
March 21, 2017
Helen will be dearly missed. I was happy to have had the pleasure of performing with her many times. A true professional musician and wonderful person.
Katharine Vanost Jones
March 21, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so enjoyed chatting with Helen at the law library. She will be sorely missed by the Evansville legal community.
Tiffany Brown
March 21, 2017
Prayers to her family and friends. May she RIP.
Kelly Lonnberg
March 21, 2017
So sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was always so very helpful in the Law Library, welcoming to the public and lawyers alike. She will be missed.
Albert and Maureen Martinez
March 21, 2017
Dear John and dear Reed Family,
John, I think my favorite story about your sister Helen is her packing up her harpsichord and loading it into the trunk of her Subaru and riding off to perform what must have been "a heavenly afternoon concert" for friends and guests, alike. With Helen's passing, I am reminded of bittersweet finales in those wonderfully romantic western films where the "heroine" saddles up and rides off into the red/gold beauty of an evening sunset. That is how I picture Helen. She is happy, gracious, and eager to challenge herself with her next concert in heaven. Lucky! Lucky!Heaven. We love you, John, we send our heartfelt sympathies to your nephew Eric and all of Helen's family.
Cheryl Simonds
March 21, 2017
So very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Sincerely, Cheryl
Karen Heard
March 20, 2017
Helen Reed was one of the kindest people I ever knew. She once told me she could have an artistic temperament "like any artist". But, I found that hard to imagine. In her job as law librarian, she often had to deal with confused, unhappy, unrepresented individuals. Helen was quick to offer her assistance and even more importantly she treated each of them with respect and patience.
However, it didn't stop there, she treated every lawyer as if we valuable members of the library. She always offered to to help with legal research...she was more often more paralegal than librarian and again with patience, she listen to us gripe and complain as only Lawyers can. I will miss her smile and her heart. Goodbye my friend.
Wayne & Bonnie Rinks
March 20, 2017
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzette Ewer
March 20, 2017
To the Helen Reed Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Helen was a dedicated musician and colleague. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
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