Helen B. Rasmussen

Helen Louise Bird Rasmussen passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025. The cause of death was heart and pulmonary complications associated with vascular dementia. Helen was born on June 7, 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia and grew up in the Lakewood Heights section of Atlanta. Helen graduated with honors from Robert Fulton High School in Atlanta in 1969 where she was the class valedictorian. She attended the University of Geogia, graduating in 1973 with a degree in social work. Helen was a member of the University of Georgia Chapter of the Alpha Xi Delta Gama Epsilon Sorority.
After graduating from college, Helen worked for the City of Atlanta evaluating nursing homes. She then moved to New York City and enrolled in the Columbia University School of Social Work from which she graduated in 1978 with the degree of Master of Social Work. During her time at Columbia University, Helen lived at International House. After graduating from the Columbia School of Social Work, Helen completed an externship at the Akerman Institute for Family Therapy from 1984-86. While a graduate student, Helen worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Helen worked as a clinical psychiatric social worker for almost four decades. She was a clinical social worker at the Brooklyn Veterans Affairs Hospital from 1980-1984. At the same time, she ran the scoliosis club at The Hospital for Special Surgery. Next, Helen became the director of family services for the United States Coast Guard Base on Governor's Island from 1984 to 1993. After leaving her position with the Coast Guard, Helen was employed at the Bronx Veterans' Affairs Hospital from 1993 until 2016 where she specialized in outpatient psychiatry. She also worked with the Spinal Cord Service and the cardiac support group. Helen also ran the scoliosis club at The Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan from 1982-1984. In addition to her hospital work, Helen also worked as a therapist with the New Hope Guild in Brooklyn, New York from 1987-1991 and as a mediator for The Brooklyn Mediation Center from 1983-84.
From 1974-1993. Helen lived in Brooklyn, New York. In May 1993, she married David Rasmussen, a lawyer then living in Port Chester, New York, and moved to Port Chester where she lived until 2000 when she and her husband, David, relocated to Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
Helen was deeply religious. Through her high school years, she was an active member of the Lakewood Heights Methodist Church where she participated in the church's young adult ministry and sang in its choir. Helen was an active member of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Young Adults Group and the Saint Bartholomew's (Episcopal Church) Community Club. She also attended the Marble Collegiate Church and Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. After moving to Port Chester, Helen was active at Christ's Church, Rye, New York, where she was a member of the outreach committee and participated in two mission trips to Haiti.
After moving to Old Greenwich, Helen was confirmed in the Episcopal Church at the parish of Saint Saviour's in Old Greenwich. At Saint Saviour's Episcopal Church, Helen served as the outreach chairperson as well as a vestry member, lay reader, youth group leader, and Sunday School teacher. She also led a youth group mission trip to Saint Christopher's Mission to the Navajo in Utah that was founded by Saint Saviour's first rector, H. Baxter Liebler.
Helen was a gentle, kind person, and generous person. She had an interest in and deep respect for other people. She had the ability to make everyone she met comfortable and at ease. She supported numerous charitable causes. At the University of Georgia School, Helen endowed a scholarship for students in the School of Social Work. In addition to her other qualities, Helen also had a subtle, but fine sense of humor.
Helen enjoyed an active life. She was an avid swimmer, hiker, skater, and traveler. In addition, she enjoyed playing tennis and pickle ball. Throughout her life Helen made deep and long-lasting friendships. Helen is survived by her husband, David J. Rasmussen of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, her brother, Henry Bird, Junior, of Conyers, Georgia, and three nephews, three nieces, four grand nephews, and three grand nieces.
A Memorial Service will be held at Saint Saviour's Episcopal Church, 350 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Interment at Christ's Church, Rye, New York will be private.