Helen T. Debardeleben

MADISON Helen Thompson DeBardeleben, age 96, died on April 24, 2016 at Oakwood Village University Woods in Madison, where she had resided since 1995. Helen was born in Jackson, Tenn., on June 24, 1919, to Myrtle Helen (nee Nipe) and David Clarence Thompson. She grew up in Beloit, Wis., and, after moving to Madison, graduated from West High School. Helen also lived in Madison after 1953. She completed a Masters of Social Work degree, to supplement her Classics degree, both received from the University of Wisconsin. She served as a social worker for the State of Wisconsin until her retirement in 1982. Helen is survived by her two loving daughters, Suzanne DeBardeleben Fiedler (Lothar), who lives in Berlin, Germany, and Joan DeBardeleben (Jon Pammett), who lives in Ottawa, Canada; by her grandchildren, Andrew DeBardeleben Droll, Larisa Ann DeBardeleben Droll (Peter Rose), Thorsten Fiedler (Sonja) and Stephanie Gablenz; and by her nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren. Helen was married to Lionel Arthur DeBardeleben from 1942 to 1953. Helen was engaged in a wide variety of civic organizations, where she displayed her deep and lifelong commitment to social justice issues, environmental protection, and citizen participation in politics. She was an active member of the Oakwood community , including a term as president of the residents association. Helens generosity and concern for others have served as an inspiration to her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed. Helens daughters are very thankful for all the friends who visited her and gave her comfort in her later years. We also express deep gratitude to those at Oakwood Village University Woods who enriched her life and cared lovingly for her, and especially to Oakwood staff and friends as well as to Agrace HospiceCare for the exceptional care given in her final months of life. A memorial service for Helen will be held on June 11, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. in the RESURRECTION CHAPEL at OAKWOOD VILLAGE UNIVERSITY WOODS, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison. All who knew Helen are invited to join us to remember and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Oakwood Foundation, Inc., 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com