Helen Hausman passed away on August 3rd, 2015, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and husband of 70 years. She was 91 years old--and lived a remarkable life.
Born in the Bronx in 1924, Helen was raised in Brooklyn with her three sisters, and was a product of the flapper generation. She loved to dance and perform in community theatre, such as the lead role in Cat on A Hot Tin Roof. Her striking red hair, intellect, and passion for life truly set her apart.
A true trailblazer, Helen attended George Washington University during a time when few women pursued college. While in Washington D.C., Helen met her husband Arthur, and three months after their first date they were married. She would joke that she had a "live-in tutor" in reference to Arthur, an engineer, who helped her with her statistics courses. After traveling the United States, the two settled in Atherton, California. There they raised three children, two girls and a boy, the oldest of whom has tragically passed.
Helen devoted her life to incredible causes. She served on the board of the American Red Cross, where she helped set up the organization's liaison with China. A diligent educational activist, Helen was an active board member of the San Mateo Community College for a series of decades, and in that time helped to raise $1 Billion for the San Mateo School District. Additionally, she was elected to the San Mateo Women's Hall of Fame.
She is survived by her husband Arthur, daughter Cathy, son Ken, and two grandchildren, Sarah and Sam.
Helen's warmth and joie de vivre brought people together, and we hope to celebrate her vivacious spirit as a community. Please join us: the Memorial Service will be held at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills on Sunday, August 9 at 1pm, with a reception following at 4pm, at 55 Flood Circle.