Helen Jenkins Stringham

1936 ~ 2021

Viewing:

Dec. 22, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City
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  • Helen Marguerite Jenkins Stringham passed away on December 19 at the age of 85. She leaves four children: Erin Haynie (Matt); Ned (Katie); Katy Macey (Joel); Reed (Carol); 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Reed, sister Marilyn, and brother Ted.
    Helen lived her life to the very end with grace, courage, and self-driven independence. She encouraged confidence and growth in her children telling them ‘anything that can be done with human hands, you can learn to do.’ She continually developed her talents over her life by finding one interesting challenge, mastering it, and then moving on to another. At an early age that talent was piano. Helen spent hours every day practicing, first to master Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” like her best friend Nancy, and then a broad array of classical music.
    While raising a family, Helen became an expert at sewing, knitting, crocheting, and rosemaling. She honored her daughters by making them exquisite wedding dresses. When her children were older, Helen earned a bachelor’s degree in music, a master’s degree in music composition from the University of Utah, and then taught music history and music theory at Salt Lake Community College for ten years. She found great joy participating in the Symphony Choir, leading her student bell choir, and composing music. After Reed passed away, Helen did not sit idle.
    She ventured out on her own for a new life in St. George. It was there that she continued to teach music into her 80s, built her dream home, made new friends, immersed herself in Southern Utah’s community of painters, and developed a strong interest in politics and world history. She was a voracious reader and well educated on almost any topic. Helen’s highly capable mind and clever sense of humor stayed with her to the end.
    Helen spent her last two years in an assisted living residence where she developed great friendships. On the day of her passing, many of the staff visited her to say goodbye. The family expresses their gratitude for their gentle and loving care.
    Friends may call at Larkin Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday, December 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The family will hold a private graveside service.