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Helen Krumboltz Obituary
Krumboltz
Helen Brandhorst Krumboltz, of San Francisco, California, passed on February 28, 2014.
She was born June 15, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Otto and Eunice Brandhorst and had one brother, William. Helen attended Monticello Junior College, Washington University, Pomona College, as well as the University of Minnesota, where she received a PhD in Counseling Psychology.
Later she moved with her family to Palo Alto, California where she taught at San Jose State and Stanford University. She wrote two books, Changing Children's Behavior (Prentice-Hall, 1972), co-written with her former husband, John Krumboltz; and Getting There: Taking Charge for Personal Change (Prentice-Hall, 1985).
She was known for her devotion to a broad circle of friends; her generous spirit; and an abiding commitment to her children.
Helen was survived by her daughters, Ann Krumboltz (Seattle, Washington); and Jennifer K. Somerville (Altadena, California).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Krumboltz
Leslie Schneider
April 2, 2014
A truly wonderful woman. I feel very fortunate to have known her and witnessed her strong intelligence, generosity and warmth over many years. As my mother's very close cousin, she remained in touch with her and to our family throughout the years. She was an important presence in our lives especially as we were growing up as was her family. I will remember her enthusiasm for life and ideas and her curiosity and humor. One very sweet moment in my relationship with Helen happened a couple of years ago when she called me on my birthday with very kind greetings. I didn't even know she knew the date. No one else had remembered the date that year. It was very special for me. Her children Jenny and Annie are such amazing people and stayed beautifully connected to Helen. I was very touched to witness their love for each other.
Helen and Jenny in San Francisco_November 2006
Tom Willard
March 28, 2014
Valerie Y
March 20, 2014
I was a staff department manager in the building she lived in Emeryville. It was a pleasure and an honor to work for her. She was always an extremely kind, caring and respectful person. She had a really good sense of humor and was always fun to be around. She, indeed, was a great supporter of women's rights and an inspiration to me. The world has suffered a great loss with her passing.
Jim Jensen
March 17, 2014
She was my 'mother out law" for a decade and brought much joy into my life. She was a spirited and spirit-inspiring force. Jenny and Ann are two of the best women I've known and they are what they are because of the foundation that was Helen. I miss her.
90th birthday party last summer
Bill Harrison
March 9, 2014
On the road in Mexico, 1949
Bill Harrison
March 9, 2014
Helen on left, Mexico City, 1949
Bill Harrison
March 9, 2014
Bill Harrison
March 9, 2014
My relationship with Helen over the last three decades was made up mostly of sharing meals together at her 11th floor perch in Emeryville and then at the Sequoias in San Francisco. People often assumed we were mother and son because of the almost 40 year difference in our ages. But I never thought of her as a mother nor did I ever think of her as old. Even in the last years as her mobility and memory began to decline her eyes still sparkled and her laugh was still contagious. Black and white photos from a spontaneous road trip that she took through Mexico with a few friends in the summer of 1949 show her graceful confidence and calm enthusiasm. These qualities were the greatest gift that she shared with us and they still defined her through to her last days. I miss her eye contact, her smile, and the unconditional confidence she had in herself and in me. It's still so hard to believe that she's no longer just a short drive away. Thank you Helen. And thank you Jenny, Annie and the whole extended family for always accepting me as one of your own. I am so grateful for the times I got to share with Helen and that I have shared with you all.
March 9, 2014
We have lost a great woman who was strongly supportive of women's rights and passionately supportive to all those she loved! Helen's friendship for over 50 years is a gift I treasure. Love to her truly beautiful daughters. Jean k.
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