Helen Goodrich Putnam

Helen Jean Goodrich Guerin Putnam died January 14, 2025 at Knollwood Community Life Center in Washington, DC. She was 105 years old. She was born on November 4, 1919 in Battle Creek, Michigan where she spent her childhood with her parents Cyrus and Margarie Goodrich, two sisters, and brother. She married Lt. Vincent C. Guerin January 31, 1942, and traveled the world as an Army wife. They were stationed across the country, including her beloved Hawai’i, as well as post-WWII Japan and Germany in the 1940-50s. Despite a life of traveling, she was rooted in Michigan and relished her family reunions at Crystal Lake every year. Upon Col. Guerin’s retirement in 1969, they settled in Arlington, VA where she lived until joining the Knollwood community in 2010. She married Maj. Gen. George W. Putnam, Jr. in 1995.

Helen is survived by her children Jeanne Ellen Duffié and Vincent Austin Guerin and wife Katherine Guerin, her daughter in law Linda Putnam, step-children Leslie MacCallum, and Philip and Jonathan Mahine, her sister Ethel Ackerson, her granddaughter Rachel Duffié and husband Martín Escamilla del Arenal, and great-grandchildren Ikal and Iyari Escamilla Duffié. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who adored her.

Helen was predeceased by her daughter Eleanor Mary Guerin, her first husband Col. Vincent Guerin, her second husband Maj. Gen. George W. Putnam, by her brother Austin Goodrich, and by her sister Eleanor Guilbert.

Helen was deeply committed to her family and her presence in the lives of those who knew her will be greatly missed.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, VA. A memorial service will be held at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church in Arlington on May 17, 2025. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a future date.