Helen Harris Schannep

Helen Harris Schannep was born on June 15, 1937, and raised in El Paso, TX, the daughter of Henry "Babe" and Janet Harris. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Henry. She graduated from the University of Arizona with Honors in 1958 where she was a Gamma Phi Beta. A beautiful girl, she was selected Sun Bowl Queen while still in college. She married Jack Schannep and they had a tour with the U.S. Air Force in Texas where their first son, Bart was born. As newlyweds they were legal guardians for Jack's two teenage brothers, Rick and Greg, who were orphaned. Their other two sons, Dwight and Tim and daughter, Marie were born in Phoenix where Jack began his business career. After their transfer to Tucson, Helen was an active volunteer on the St. Luke's Home Board, the Junior League and taught 'English as a Second Language'. She belonged to the Sunbonnet Garden Club and was an Arizona "Wildcat for Life". As a younger woman she was an accomplished horsewoman and later an accomplished golfer which she and Jack enjoyed together for many years. The whole Schannep family traveled extensively around the world exploring nearly 100 countries with those of Africa and India perhaps her favorites. She leaves behind Jack, her devoted husband of 56 years; sons, Bart (Marcella), Dwight (Christy) and Tim (Mary Beth) Schannep of Tucson and daughter, Marie (Mark) Manor of Scottsdale, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Helen was much loved and admired as a beautiful and extraordinary lady. Her family is devastated by their loss of the matriarch of the family, due to Pancreatic cancer. The family thanks Casa de la Luz Hospice for their care and professionalism during Helen's last two months. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Catalina Foothills Church, 2150 E. Orange Grove Rd., Tucson. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Luke's Home. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.