Susan Helenius

Susan Helenius, a loyal San Francisco native born in 1939 and resident of San Luis Obispo these last five years, died peacefully Saturday, March 15, 2014, the Ides of March, after a long illness. She moved here to be closer to her brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Lynn Helenius of Avila Beach. Susan was fiercely proud of her ethnic Finnish heritage and was a remarkable person in many ways. She was brilliant, articulate, an exceptional raconteur, a feminist and at the forefront of both the Civil Rights Movement and Women's Movement. She was a talented playwright and author, whose work was both serious and humorous and led her to become a client of the famed William Morris Agency. The family wishes to thank the staff at Judson Terrace and Bella Vista for all their helpful and compassionate care of Susan. Susan is survived by her brother and sister-in-law; two nephews Marcus Helenius (Heather) of Capitola, Calif.; and Mikko Helenius M.D. (Maria) of Carmel Valley, Calif.; along with two grand nephews, a grand niece and her life time friend Mark Reoutt, who was like a third nephew to her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Aune Helenius of San Francisco; and father, Wayne Helenius of Los Gatos, Calif. At Susan's request, she will be cremated after organ donation. There will be no service.