Helen Fischer McClure

McClure, Helen Fischer of Redding, Conn. passed away peacefully September 1. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Grover Benjamin McClure, Jr. Helen and Ben enjoyed a lifetime of world travel, both for pleasure and through Ben's work as an executive for Richardson Vicks. In retirement, they enjoyed spending time with friends and family at their home in Meadow Ridge in Redding. Helen was born in St. Paul, Minn. on Aug. 2, 1923 to Danish immigrants. After her first husband, John Carroll, was killed while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Helen moved to Seattle with daughter Carroll to work for the Navy. It was there that she met Ben, who served as commander of an amphibious landing ship. After the war, Helen and Ben had a daughter, Susan. Ben's work for Richardson Vicks took them all over the world, including 22 years in Paris. Helen had a voracious interest in other cultures, and their impeccably kept homes exhibited the artwork and artifacts she collected throughout their travels. Helen loved opera and Scrabble, and her constant companion to the end was her beloved dog Chica. Helen is survived by her two daughters, Carroll Lewin (Shallom) and Susan Marchand (Henri); her five grandchildren, Anneliese Marchand Rhodes (Justin), Deborah Pastner (Ingrid Young), Celine Marchand Beaugnon (Patrick), Eric Marchand and Rebecca Pastner (Steven Smith); her five great-grandchildren, Louise, Madison, Elsie, Jasper and Sarah; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A private service for the extended family will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at Lakeside Cemetery in New Canaan, Conn. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan.

Published on September 5, 2010