To the family of Helen Derr: The Derrs lived next door to us on Bever Avenue and we could not have asked for better
neighbors. While I was quite young while we were living there, I recall Helen as such a kind, sweet and warm person who always had a smile to share. Our deepest sympathy to your family. I know she must have been proud of you all.
The Taylor Family
Marie Taylor Tarr
October 26, 2015
I would like to offer my sympathies on the passing of your mother. It sounds as though she had a productive life and truly enjoyed her activities and helping others for so many years. I hope it might bring you comfort to know that a student of hers from Linn-Mar remembers his teacher quite fondly from so many years ago. That is an impression not just anyone can make. My condolences to your family.
Dan Dolezal
October 6, 2015
To the Helen Derr family:
I was sorry to see your mother's obituary in the paper. At 98 years old, she had lived a very productive life. I fondly remember you girls being in my science classes at McKinley. Nancy, you went with me to Chicago when I sponsored that trip. My family met Ralph Warner while my father was at Manor Care. Dad shared a room with Kevin Warner who had juvenile diabetes. Our families became very close. My sympathy to all of you.
Marilyn Sweet
Marilyn Sweet
October 6, 2015
Barbara, we're so saddened to hear that your mother has passed on. Of course, Mrs. Derr was like a mother to us too, when the Derrs and your family sponsored us in 1976 to re-locate to the U.S and re-settle in Cedar Rapids. I still remember the first Christmas we celebrated at her house, and she made pizzas for all of us. That was the first pizza I'd ever had (and remains one of my favorite dishes). My husband, Shaun, was very fortunate to have met Mrs. Derr and your family in November 2004 right after we got married. He was also ecstatic to befriend another graduate from ISU, his Alma Mater. We will sorely miss Mrs. Derr's smiles and kindness, and her memories will remain with us always.
Love,
Rosalind & Shaun Lanham
Midlothian, VA
Rosalind Lanham
October 5, 2015
Helen was in my Peo group and how I loved the times I could sit with her and visit. Soft spoken and so wise. Indeed one of my all time favorite people I met in life. I remembered her daughters as little girls ..Was sad to see this in the paper today. Just wanted to say what a special Mom you had and I realize you know that.:) So kind and so caring...loved reading about all her accomplishments.
My Mother was born in 1907 so Helen is ten years younger than my own mother. I grew up on Memorial Drive not far from Bever Ave...again so sorry for your loss.
Most Sincerely Sally Shaeffer Kopecky
Sally Kopecky
October 4, 2015
To barb I am sorry that helen died she thanks for spending time with us at our trip to
st louis it was fun to see you I Remember her humor and her smile
love
andrew
andrew
October 3, 2015
To Barb and the rest of Helen's loving family, please except our deepest sympathy on the loss of such a gracious and wonderful woman. I enjoyed her so much and loved to her precious smile. May her memory be eternal.
The Moulder Family
Susan Peterson Moulder
September 30, 2015