Helen Almeda Bateson

1922 - 2017

Helen Almeda Bateson June 17, 1922 to Sep. 5, 2017 Helen passed away peacefully at age 95, surrounded by family, after a remarkable life. Raised in Williston, North Dakota, she was run over by a drunk driver at the age of nine and doctors thought she would never walk again. Not only did she prove them wrong but she went on to excel in sports, being voted the top female athlete every year in college at the University of Idaho even though she majored in English, not physical education, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. It was in college where she met her future husband, John. They were married 47 years until his death in 1993. Until her last few years, she loved to ice skate and ski in winter, and swim in the summer. Even in her 80s, she worked out regularly in a gym. Although she never considered herself much of a golfer, John enjoyed telling others about the time she shot a 142-yard hole-in-one. During World War II, Helen was an officer in the women's branch of the United States Naval Reserve and oversaw 100 other Waves on Treasure Island. One of her proudest achievements was receiving a letter of commendation for this work. After the war, she put her husband through graduate school at UC Berkeley by working as a travel agent at Lawrence Berkeley Lab, arranging transportation and accommodations for Robert Oppenheimer, Edward Teller, and other scientists. In 1955, she and John moved to Terra Linda in Marin County where they raised four children. Helen volunteered with numerous school and community groups, most notably Sunny Hills Services. After John died and after living 50 years in Terra Linda, she moved to Rossmoor in Walnut Creek where she lived the rest of her days. Helen was known for her optimistic spirit, calm presence, and dedication to her family. An avid reader who loved doing crossword puzzles and word jumbles, what she enjoyed most were family picnics and vacations at Lake Tahoe. She is survived by her four children John, Gail, Betsy, and Will 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John, sister Sybil Brislain, and lifelong friend Ann Skjei.