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Helen Struthers Obituary
STRUTHERS, 61
Librarian
WINTER HAVEN - Helen Marie Struthers, originally from central Florida, died August 15, 2010, of complications of an autoimmune liver disease with which she had lived for 13 years. She was 61.
She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Struthers Malbon (Blacksburg, VA), her two brothers John O. Struthers (West Palm Beach and Lake Wales) and Robert A. Struthers (Blacksburg), her nephew Bradford Struthers Malbon (Boston) and niece Annemarie Struthers Malbon (Blacksburg), her brother-in-law Scott H. Malbon (Blacksburg), and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Orville W. Struthers and Roberta Diamond Struthers of Winter Haven and Winter Garden.
Born in Orlando, she attended public schools in Winter Haven (K-11) and graduated from Lakeview High School in Winter Garden. She was an active Girl Scout in the Heart of Florida Girl Scout Council, from Brownies to Cadette troop leader. She earned a B.A. in Humanities and a Masters in Library Science at FSU, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi national academic honor societies.
Ms. Struthers worked as a librarian at the Orlando Public Library for 21 years (head of the audiovisual department) and as Director of the Covington Branch of the Dekalb County Public Library, GA for 8 years. After her move to Blacksburg, VA in 1999, she served first as a volunteer and then on the staff of the Blacksburg Branch of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Gotha, Florida. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Crisp-Coon Funeral Home of Winter Haven. A memorial service and reception will be held in the Great Hall of Christ Episcopal Church, Blacksburg on Sunday, August 29, at 4:00 p.m.
Helen was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, those who knew and loved Helen are invited to make a commitment to become organ donors if they have not already done so, in keeping with her bumper sticker: "Don't take your organs to heaven; heaven knows we need them here, " and so that fewer and fewer persons in need of an organ transplant will die waiting. Friends may also wish to make a donation in Helen's memory to the Montgomery County Christmas Store (P.O. Box 221, Blacksburg, VA 24063), especially for children's books.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Struthers
6 Entries
Benita Knight
September 24, 2010
I use to work with Helen at the Audio Visual Library in Dekalb County Georgia. She was a joy to work with.
Benita Knight
Judy Davis
August 25, 2010
I will miss Helen very much. I first met her because of our dogs. Our dogs loved to play and chase each other. This really pleased Helen because her dog, Deuce, meant so much to her. Our dogs got along so well and a friendship developed between Helen and me. Helen was always thinking of others. This was evident especially in her volunteer work for the Christmas Store. She never complained about her health and had a very positive outlook on life. She was a pleasure to be with, and I will always have very fond memories of her. My condolences go out to her family and loved ones.
Jody (Dumont) Parker
August 20, 2010
We will miss Helen! I will never forget the girl scout canoe trips, the endless cookie sales, the bicycle rides across Florida and Europe, the white water rafting trips, camping at blue grass festivals, playing the dictionary game with library friends and her smiles and laughter.
She loved animals: Scout her little dog that rode in the front seat of her van and shared her hamburgers, Bear her sentimental black lab, Gator the cat that loved to present her with dead rodents, Jo her little companion and Midnight her attack cat.
Helen was passionate about life -- she worked long hours to find new and innovative ways to provide the best service to her library patrons, she was a dedicated Girl Scout Leader that contributted many, many hours to be the positive influence in lives of many young girls, and she was a best friend that loved challenges and new adventures.
When Todd, Adam and Mallory came into my life, Helen welcomed them into her life also. She would laugh and talk about her 2 kids -- bike riding with Adam and swimming/reading with Mallory.
We love you Helen and miss you!
Jody Parker
August 20, 2010
We will miss Helen, she was a dear friend for many years! I will never forget the girl scout canoe trips, the blue grass festivals, the bicycle rides across Florida and Europe, the white water rafting trips and her laughter. Helen was passionate about life - she worked hard and was always striving to find new and innovative ways to provide better service to library patrons, she was a dedicated Girl Scout Leader that did whatever was required to positively shape young lives, and she was a best friend that loved challenges and new adventures.
And when Todd, Adam and Mallory came into my life, Helen welcomed them into her life also. She would laugh and talk about "her kids" - biking with Adam and throwing quarters in the deep end of the pool for Mallory to dive after.
We miss you Helen!
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John Martin
August 19, 2010
Helen Struthers was an extraordinary person. She was one of the hardest-working people I have ever known, and she always seemed to be moving faster than anyone else around her. She was fiercely loyal to the Orange County Library System, where it was my privilege to work with her from 1974-1990. Helen's honesty, work ethic, and strength were valuable assets to the Library.
Susan Zwer
August 19, 2010
To Helen's family,
My sincere condolences to each of you. I lost my sister this year, so I know your sorrow.
I worked with Helen for most of her 21 years at the Orlando Public Library. Helen was smart, innovative in her work and career, passionate about the environment, and a kind friend.
May God bless you at this time.
Susan Zwer
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