Helen Scandalis Wolff

Helen Scandalis Wolff Beloved mother of Stephen, David, and Edward aunt of Stephen Scandalis, and predeceased by her brother James Scandalis and nephew Randy Scandalis. Helen died peacefully 9/8/2009 surrounded by her three sons, who will miss her very much. She remarked more than once that her family was her greatest achievement and source of pride, and yet her true life's work is immeasurable, because Helen was a teacher who influenced thousands of young minds; starting children on their path to adulthood, and in later years helping adults learn English and become Americans. After graduating from U.C. Berkeley in 1951 she taught grades 3-6 in Berkeley and in Charlottesville, VA. After returning to California Helen became active in school administration and was president of the PTA in the local San Bruno school district. It was when Helen became involved with the English as a Second Language (ESL) program that she re-discovered her true passion for teaching. For the next 20 years she worked at Stanford Hospital and had a fulfilling second career teaching evening classes in Adult ESL in Cupertino. Her curriculum was rich with elements of current and traditional American culture, her classes were always full, and she was much loved by her students. Helen was very proud of her Greek heritage. She taught herself to speak Greek and twice traveled to Greece to visit her relatives there. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 17 7:00pm at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 1270 Davis St., San Jose. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 18 2:00 pm at Sierra View Memorial Park 4900 Olive Ave., Olivehurst. Arrangements by BEDDINGFIELD FUNERAL SERVICE (408) 777-8100.