Our wife, mother and grandmother, Helen Foulger Thatcher 89, passed away November 19, 2013 at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Helen was born December 16,1923 in Salt Lake City to Frank Wallace Foulger and Cleofa Folster Foulger.
Helen attended Jefferson and Blaine Elementary Schools, Glendale Middle School, and Granite High School. Her family lived five years at 50 E. Kelsey Avenue, and because her father built all the homes on the block, it was often called "Foulger Street". By the time Helen finished high school, World War II had begun. She attended the University of Utah and during that time she met Lawrence Thatcher, who after returning from his work on the Manhattan Project in Oakridge, Tennessee, continued to court her. They were married May 28, 1947 in Salt Lake City. One day after their 25th Anniversary, their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple and they were sealed to their four children. During 66 years of marriage, they formed an inseparable team raising their children and traveling the world together.
In 1967, six years after her youngest child was born, Helen began 10 industrious years working full time helping her husband build a chemical manufacturing and distribution business. She did this while balancing three teenage children and one young son. Her tireless efforts at home and at work left a profound impression on her children, grandchildren, and those who knew her. To them she was the cornerstone of the family, a woman with extraordinary strength, courage, unconditional love, selflessness and humility. Her family meant everything to her. She encouraged and supported her children and husband with sound advice. She was proud of her posterity and her influence has left a meaningful impact on their lives.
Helen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. In all her church and community callings, she pleased recipients with her dependable and compassionate service.
"We will carry you in our hearts and minds each and every day. Your beauty shines in all of us who were lucky to be part of this close and caring family. You had the ability to cheer us up and welcome us with open arms."
Helen and Lawrence were devoted parents to four children: Diane (Julian) Barlow, Craig (Connie), Teri (Dean) Flanders, Tom (Kathy). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, Phyllis (Beesley), Robert Foulger, and Kay (Shupe).
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 30, 11:00 am, at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E. 1300 So., with a viewing preceding the service at 9:30 a.m. for friends and family. There will also be aviewing on Friday November 29, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary.
