I didn't know Mrs. Ludecke very well, but she was very nice to me in high school and I always remember her as my favorite art teacher. She liked a colored pencil drawing of mine so much that she had it displayed on the walls of the high school for years.  I thought that was very nice of her. Years later, as I'm getting older, I wish I could have a few drinks with her, and talk story a little. This image is a AI recreation of the original Yearbook photo from 1993.

Helen was my stepmother while married to Don Brown in  1972 thru 1977

I was a difficult teen and we  had our ups and downs. but Helen taught me about art, how to make rings and throw pots and taught me a sense of taste in decorating clothing and music.

My memories of her are fond. The last time I visited her was when I introduced her to my girlfriend at the time, to whom I later married and still am after 47 years. 
Over the years I thought about Helen from time to time and wish I had contacted with as my kids grew up, but it was inappropriate in the eyes of my father and mother. I am sorry for being so shallow and minded about it. I wish I had reached out.

Rest in peace, Helen. I will see you in the next life.

Paul Brown

Helen Ludecke was the most influential teacher. After being injured in sports I ended up in Helen’s class for 3 years @ EHS. She was absolutely marvelous. I was extremely shy, bullied & virtually had no friends, but Helen befriended me. Not only was she an exceptional teacher & human being, she was also a great friend. Had such fun spending days at her home learning to make wontons, drinking sake & discussing the world.  Joy on your next journey dear lady. Much love to you. 

In my time in High School, I was a shy and person of the shadows. Art was my one thing, that let me be the person I would later become. Mrs. Ludecke became not only a teacher but a friend, who allowed me to grow and cover more in my time than I had believed possible in my insecure self. I can still wow people with my caligraphy, drawings, etc. Even if it became nothing more than a hobby, a mental way to remain creative in a world often driven by logic. I am sorry to hear of her passing and am truly glad I met and knew her. You live on in my handwriting, my developing of art on a canvas, and my exposure to knowing art is truly an important part of life to our last best. God's speed old friend.  

My first impression of Mrs. Ludecke was that she was totally unhinged, she would yell at us constantly, like I yell at my kids now. Now that I have more perspective on life I realize she was trying to get the best her students had to offer.   I still circle back on my art from time to time and I create something really nice every few years, that is only because Mrs Ludecke believed I was a better artist than I ever was.  Mrs Ludecke had incredible passion and deep thoughtfulness, and a huge heart, which she hid well with an abrasive facade. I am sad that she is gone.

Mrs. Ludecke was an artist and a friend. I attended Enterprise High School  where she taught art classes. She introduced me to calligraphy and I have used this skill in various ways all my life. She had a warm-heart  and beautiful smile.


OBITUARY

Helena Gershanoff Ludecke

August 7, 1932 – July 20, 2019

Lawncrest Chapel & Memorial Park

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