Helen Gough

Helen Glass Gough, who lived in Lafayette for nearly 50 years, died on July 26, 2024 in Walnut Creek, nine days shy of her 90th birthday.

Helen grew up in Berkeley, and though she spent most of her life on the other side of the hills, always considered Berkeley her hometown. After graduating from Berkeley High, she went east on a four-year scholarship to Wellesley College, where she majored in chemistry and received dean's list, Durant, Sigma Xi, and Phi Beta Kappa honors. Helen returned to California and worked sixteen years as a lab tech in the Biochemistry and Virus Lab (now Stanley Hall) on the UC Berkeley campus, and after moving to Lafayette and taking a four-year break (?) as a full-time mom of twins, went to work in administration at Saint Mary's College. While employed there, she audited many art classes. She also loved being a Springbrook Swim Team meet official and the poet-secretary of a local book club for many years. After retirement, Helen embarked on a third career in volunteerism, particularly enjoying her work with Lamorinda Village, Caring Hands, the Bedford Gallery, the Lafayette Library Bookstore, and Community Concern for Cats.

Helen is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Marie Gough, son John Everett Gough, nephew Brett Glass and his family, sister-in-law Lowayne Glass and her daughters, daughter-in-law Kim Gough, and three grandchildren: Kyler Nevrie, Jared Christopher, and Jacob Everett Gough.

It was Helen's expressed wish not to have a funeral or memorial service. However, a contribution in Helen's honor may be made to a charity of your choice.