ELIZABETH VON HELF Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 16, 2012.

ELIZABETH ANNE RAMSDELL
VON HELF

Passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2012 in her home at the age of 97, surrounded by her family.

Known by her friends and family as Anne von Helf, she was born on August 22, 1914 in Manistee, Michigan. Anne graduated from U.C.L.A. in 1936 with a B.A. in History. She also received her Masters in History from U.C.L.A. in 1939. While in college, she was a member of both Alpha Xi Delta and Phrateres - Anne also worked as a lifeguard, was on the university rifle team and received her pilot's license. She went on to teach in Los Angeles Unified for thirty years. She spent the last 19 years of her teaching career at North Hollywood High School - in addition to serving as advisor to the senior class, Anne taught a number of classes at N.H.H.S. including history, anthropology, psychology, government and philosophy.

Upon retiring from teaching, she became a prolific painter, working in both oils and watercolors. Anne also wrote a number of short stories and novels - she was particularly interested in writing about the pilgrims of Plymouth as she had ancestors who came to America on the Mayflower. Anne loved raising dogs and was particularly fond of Pekingese.

She is survived by her daughter, Tina; her son, Fred; her five grandchildren, Hattie, Justin, Maclyn, Janelle and Eric; and her great grandson, Hayden. She will be deeply missed by her friends and never forgotten by her family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for ELIZABETH VON HELF

What is your first memory of ELIZABETH?

Share a favorite memory you have of ELIZABETH.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with ELIZABETH.

Describe a time when ELIZABETH made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about ELIZABETH?

Talk about a shared experience you had with ELIZABETH.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of ELIZABETH.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving ELIZABETH.

What is something you learned from ELIZABETH?

Not sure what to say?

June 27, 2023

Lemora Martin

I had Mrs. Von Helf from 1963-1966 for Social Studies. I will never forget the day of 11/22/1963 when JFK was assassinated. With red eyes and a swollen face, she told us that a lone gunman was responsible, to ignore any rumors of a coup that we'd be hearing in the future, and that Lyndon Johnson would be a capable leader. Coming about 5 hours after the President was killed, this was at variance with her usual exhortations to be critical thinkers and to question everything we read in a newspaper or heard on TV. I've often wondered if she changed her views on what happened in Dallas in the coming years. She was a very dynamic teacher and I will never forget Mrs. Von Helf.

March 12, 2013

Marlin More

I had Mrs. Von Helf for Senior Problems and it was such a fun class and we learned some life lessons too. We made an ark for the
Senior Parade and she was behind us all the way. I never knew she was a "horse person" but maybe that is why I always felt a kindred spirit with her. You will be remembered and I know at our upcoming 50th reunion we will share some fun memories.

January 27, 2013

Christy Krueger Herrmann

Mrs. Von Helf gathered a bunch of us graduating Seniors at her home to teach us to play Bridge, something she thought was important for us as we went off to college. Fond memories of a teacher who really loved her students and knew how to be a friend while still being our teacher. She leaves a strong legacy behind. Sending sincerest condolences to Tina and Fred.

January 5, 2013

Steve Hansen

What a wonderful lady and educator. Her memory and legacy will live on at NHHS and with all her students for years to come. It was an honor to have know her. R.I.P. Ms V and the very best to Tina. Steve Hansen S'63.

August 24, 2012

Gorgiana Alonzo

Ms. Von Helf was a pistol! During my senior year in 1973, she recognized that several of us in her civics class were above par academically, but we weren't recognized by the administration as such. She went back to Walter Reed Junior High, found our test records, and let the principal know. She helped to recover funds from either the state or the federal government that should have gone to NHHS for us as part of the gifted kids track. We watched the Watergate proceedings during her classes, a live civics experiment. Good for her. What a great life of service.

May 7, 2012

John Koehler

Mrs. Von Helf was a storied part of my HS memories. I dated her daughter, Tina, and was in Civics and Social Studies (?) with her. She was my most memorable Female teacher. I am sorry that she is gone.

April 28, 2012

Gary R Kennedy

She was the best! She turned my life around. I even was invited to her house....loved her door knob collection & her rugs! God has another angel for sure! I often thought about her and what a great friend & teacher she was!

April 26, 2012

Linda Johnson-Hoffman

Mrs. Von Helf was our senior advisor in 1967. We have many memories of her that we will share at our 45th reunion in June.

April 1, 2012

Michael Hill-Weld

Mrs. von Helf is one of the teachers you remember throughout your life. Her love of students, teaching, government was evident in her classroom and her life. As class president I got to know her, her family and her dogs. I remember many good times including horse backing riding with her in the Tujunga canyons. I am very glad she had a long and full life.

March 23, 2012

MRS. VON HELF WAS MY GOVERNMENT TEACHER IN THE EARLY 70'S. SHE CAME TO CLASS LATE ONE MORNING COVERED IN MUD WEARING GIANT BLACK RUBBER BOOTS HER CONSTANT COMPOSURE GONE. SHE APOPLOGIZED TO OUR CLASS AND TOLD US HOW HER HORSES HAD GOTTEN OUT . IT WAS THE FIRST TIME IN MY SHORT LIFE WHEN I REALIZED IT IS O.K. TO BE LATE AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A GOOD STORY TO TELL!

"WE ARE ALL ONE, WE ARE ALL LIGHT , WE ARE ALL ONE LIGHT"

DANI LINDQUIST ROSENSTEEL
(TONTO BASIN, AZ)

March 22, 2012

I loved this Lady! I too have many wonderful memories of her. I truly enjoyed her class that I had as a Senior.I still remember things I learned from her to this day. An excellent person. Bobbi Maxey-O'Neill, Toluca Lake,CA Class S'69

March 16, 2012

Thomas Domenici

I have many fond memories of Anne Von Helf. She was a teacher, a mentor, and a good friend. How well I remember dinners at her house, swimming in her pool and her Pekingese. She got me my first summer job -working at her son Fred's gas station in Burbank. -Thomas Domenici W'64

March 16, 2012

STEPHEN BAY

FOR A TOUGH OLD BIRD, ANNE VON HELF WAS A WONDERFUL, FORCEFUL AND POWERFUL PERSONALITY THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET AND WILL ALWAYS BE GREATFUL TO HAVE INFLUENCE MY LIFE. CLASS W"60

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in ELIZABETH VON HELF's name

Memorial Events
for ELIZABETH VON HELF

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support ELIZABETH's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor ELIZABETH VON HELF's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more