HELEN S. HEARD

HELEN SPERLING HEARD  
Of Washington, DC, born September 12, 1920, passed away May 21, 2015. Helen, nicknamed Boofie for beauty, will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by her surviving children, Cordis, John and Lise Heard), six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, three nieces, and one nephew.A native Washingtonian and graduate of Western High School - now Duke Ellington School of the Arts Helen was known for her enthusiastic dedication to and support of the Arts, especially the theater. She performed regularly in local community theater companies such as Cedar Lane Stage, The Chevy Chase Players, The Georgetown Workshop Theater, among others. She was a longtime member of the National Arts Club of D.C. where she also participated in their theatrical programs.For many years she served as a docent for the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History where she loved sharing the treasures of the Discovery Room, guiding and inspiring thousands of visiting children and their parents. She often led groups on the Highlights Tour and special exhibit tours, doing so with a passion that reflected her intense interest in the peoples and cultures of the world. She was honored by the museum for her decades of volunteering. Helen was also an active member of the Woman's Club of Chevy Chase contributing to its mission of Community Service. She likewise donated many hours reading and recording for the Metropolitan Washington Ear and its programs for the blind.Helen will be remembered not only for her avid love of the arts, but also for her deep curiosity, a curiosity which propelled her love of learning and service to others all attributes she passed on to the future generations of her family.She will be buried in Ipswich, MA. alongside her husband, John and youngest son, Matthew. A memorial is scheduled for later in July in Washington, DC.