Helen Abeling West

Helen was born in Tientsin, China and was raised in Shanghai until she was seven years old when her family returned to Millburn, NJ. Helen graduated from Millburn High School and attended Colby Junior College and Katherine Gibbs School. She lived in New York City after college and worked for Alcoa Steamship Company as the Executive Secretary to the President of the company.

Helen met the love of her life, Thurlow West, in a carpool going to and from work. Helen and Thurlow were married on June 29, 1957 in Millburn, NJ. They lived in Short Hills, NJ where Helen served in many volunteer capacities including Girl Scout leader, docent at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, and as a member of the Short Hills Garden Club. Helen eventually became the Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Millburn, NJ. Helen and Thurlow attended Christ Church in Short Hills where Helen will be interred next to Thurlow.

They moved to Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 1984, when Thurlow transferred to the Palm Beach branch of the US Trust Company. They eventually moved to Tequesta and were members of the Turtle Creek Golf Club and attended Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.

Helen was a member of the PEO Sisterhood and served in various leadership capacities within that organization throughout the years.

Helen will be remembered for her smile, laughter and outgoing spirit. She also lived by the motto: Live well, Laugh often and Love much.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Thurlow, and her partner of 15 years, Andrew Rouff.

Helen is survived by her children: Barbara West (John) of Portland, OR, Elizabeth Druback (Edward) of Parkdale, OR, and Thurlow West, Jr. (Sarah) of Oakland , CA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Austen Lincoln (Colin) of Moravian Falls, NC, Jessica Claus (Josh) of Jackson, WY, Callie McAuliffe (William) of Portland OR, and Tristan West of Oakland, CA. and her step-grandchildren Jennifer York (Matthew) of Renton WA and Kathryn Schuback (Jonathan) of Seattle, WA.

In memory of Helen, the family requests contributions be made to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tequesta, FL, Christ Church in Short Hills, NJ or to a charity close to your heart.