Helen L. Sodman

Helen L. Sodman Passed away April 28, 2009. She was born in Casper, WY, June 13, 1924, to Elmer and Cora Rutherford and grew up there with her four siblings. Helen attended Seton School of Nursing in Colorado Springs, CO. It was there that she met Lt. Norman Sodman and they were married shortly after the war ended when Norm returned from the European arena. They had two children, Steve and Andrea, and lived in Wyoming and overseas for several years before settling in Redwood City, CA, in 1961. There, she was an active church member, a volunteer with the student foreign exchange program, an ardent Giants and 49ers fan, and an avid golfer. Helen, we will miss your playful and nurturing spirit, razor wit, and enlightening wisdom, but not your hording of the cribbage championship. Helen is survived by her husband, Norm; daughter, Andrea Dugan (husband Jack) of Ellensburg, WA; sister, Mary Jane Waldron of Casper, WY; granddaughters Rachel Ortolan (husband Dave) of Half Moon Bay, CA, and Katie Shinn (husband Todd) of Glen Ellen, CA; and great grandchildren Sabina, Amelia, and Norman (plus 2 more on the way). She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Sodman; and siblings LeWayne Force, Jo Baker, and Art Rutherford. A service celebrating Helen's life, followed by a reception with light refreshments, will be held Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1835 Valota Road Redwood City, CA.