Helen Bryan Alu passed away peacefully April 21 at her home at Creve Coeur Assisted Living after a long and wonderful life. She is survived by her daughter, Dana Kennedy and husband, Thomas, of Massachusetts; her son, Bryan Alu of Florida; her granddaughter, Colleen Osborne and husband, Andrew, of Connecticut; her grandsons, Morgan Alu and Conor Alu of Colorado, and her great- granddaughter, Lydia, of Connecticut; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was born in New Bloomfield, Mo. and was the youngest of nine children of Felix Bryan and Fannie Clatterbuck Bryan. She attended the University of Missouri, leaving school to become a hairdresser in 1939.
In 1944 she married Thomas Alu, also a hairdresser. The two went on to own and operate five beauty salons in St. Louis during their marriage of forty- eight years. Helen worked as a hairdresser for seventy- four years until the age of 93. In 2013 Helen was recognized by the Professional Beauty Association for her dedication and commitment to her career.
Helen was known by her many friends for her kindness, generosity, homemade peanut brittle, beautiful seamstress creations, and exceptional bowling talent. In addition, Helen was always an avid reader and frequented the large print section of the St. Louis County Library. She always looked forward to the book deliveries to her residence at Creve Coeur Assisted Living.
Helen cherished her 62 years in the Chevy Chase Olivette neighborhood, where she made many lifelong friends. After she moved to Creve Coeur Assisted Living a few years ago, she appreciated the ongoing support and visits of her friends from many walks of life.
The family would like to thank the staff at Creve Coeur Assisted Living, her personal aides from Pear Tree Home Care, and Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care.
There will be a memorial service for Helen at a later date this summer. Her ashes will be buried at a family plot in Fulton, MO.
Memorial contributions are welcome in Helen’s memory to the St. Louis County Library Foundation, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131.
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