Photo courtesy of Tempe Mortuary - Tempe
Feb 8, 1924 - Jan 27, 2026
I had the opportunity to work with Helen at SRP And got to know her through Toastmasters. I always admired that wonderful woman, especially her voice and her laugh. She was so full of grace. You lived a great life Helen and will be missed.
Sharon Bucher
March 05, 2026 | Chandler, AZ | Friend
My condolences to the family. I never met Helen or Jack, but often thought about reaching out. We live in the home built by them in Tempe and have treasured the bits of memories left behind. Please know that we have done our best to honor both of your parents.
February 18, 2026 | Tempe, AZ
Helen was a strong, lovely woman through and through. Her faith sustained her through many trials in life, including the untimely loss of three children and a grandchild, all beloved. As a friend of her daughter Ann Alderson Hermanson, I kept in touch with Helen after Ann's death. I was grateful for this special friendship, which often centered on our shared love of Nebraska, where we both had our roots. Helen was a proud "Sandhiller" and knew the joys and hardships of life in ranching...
Janet Traylor
February 04, 2026 | Phoenix, AZ | Friend
With love and sadness, the family of Helen Louise Alderson announces the loss of a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Born on February 8, 1924 in Elgin, Nebraska, she was 101 years of age, 12 days short of her 102nd birthday.
She graduated from Chambers High School in 1940 after the family moved from the Elgin area. At Wayne State Teachers College, Helen earned a certificate to teach in rural schools, which she did for four years. During WWII she also worked at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Five of her seven brothers served in the Army during the war. She was especially close to Harold, who lost his life in that conflict.
Helen married John (Jack) Alderson in June of 1947. She and Jack took over Ned Alderson’s farm near Chambers. Ann was the oldest daughter, followed by brothers Kurt, Matt, and Tony. In 1955 this young family moved to Tucson, Arizona. There, Jack worked at Hughes Aircraft before moving again in 1959 to the Phoenix area for a job with Motorola. New daughter Christine was now part of the family.
With five young kids, Helen still made time to dedicate herself to her community of faith at the University United Presbyterian Church. With all the kids were in school, she began working at the bookstore at Arizona State University. A few years later, she was at the Tempe headquarters of Salt River Project, where she continued until she retired. Over several years of spare time effort, Helen and Jack built a cabin in Heber, Arizona. The entire family, grandchildren too, enjoyed that mountain getaway. Helen especially loved sitting outside among the pines and piñons, listening to the bluejays, reading a book, and/or crocheting.
By her own account, Helen’s proudest role was being a mother. “Mom” was her most cherished title. She provided her children love and freedom and an example of faith, gratitude, and commitment. She and Jack shepherded their family through Christine’s journey with a congenital heart defect and sought all possible avenues of care for her condition. Helen’s faith and her family supported her through the loss of daughters Christine (1973), Ann (1993), and son Tony (2002), grandson Ed (2013), as well as son Matt’s injury and long recovery in 1971. Despite the deep losses that she endured, Helen never lost her sense of hope and gratitude and spiritual commitment – a shining light to those who had the pleasure to know her and be touched by her perspective.
Helen was able to care for Jack at home through a long illness and brought him comfort and love. After Jack’s passing, Helen moved to Friendship Village Tempe in 2006. She continued church activity at a reduced level and wrote several collections of memories, stories, and poems.
Helen is survived by sons Kurt (Linda) Alderson, Matt (Althea) Alderson, granddaughters Denon Alderson, Chevon (Jarad) Alderson, Michele Hermanson (Kip Dean), great-grandchildren Annie Chaves and Halston Alderson. The many yarns of Helen’s long life interlocked together to create a blanket of faith, strength, and warm love all around her, and she will be missed deeply.
The date of the memorial service is May 2, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tempe Mortuary Chapel. Inurnment will follow immediately after at Tempe Double Buttes cemetery in the family plot.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute generously in memory of Helen to your favorite charity.
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