Helen Russell Hamlett

Helen Russell Hamlett, 79, died July 28, 2008 at her Palmer home. Friends are invited to attend the memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Palmer. The rosary will be recited prior to the Mass at 9:30. Father Thomas Brundage will officiate.

Hamlett was born May 29, 1929 in Havana, Cuba, living there as a child and also living in Louisiana, Florida and traveling the world with her parents. She came to Alaska in 1991 and settled in Palmer.

She earned her master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University and graduated from Holy Cross High School in Havana, Cuba. She retired as a state social worker with the state of Louisiana, and worked at Ray’s Childcare in Palmer in addition to being a regular volunteer at Bishop’s Attic. She loved her cats, bird watching, people watching, old movies, reading and the opera.

“Helen was a true southern belle, joyful and friendly,” her family wrote. “She was kind and dear to all who knew her. She was a season ticket holder to the Anchorage Opera and her eyes would light up as she sang along. She loved to share her faith and childhood memories of growing up in Cuba, especially following the Easter traditions with her auntie. Helen had a special devotion to Our Lady of Charity of Cobre.

She is survived by her three beloved cats, Prissy, Sissy and Bubba.

She is predeceased by her husband, Steve, and parents, Edgar Beck and Vivian Fromm.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 432 E. Fireweed, Palmer, 99645.

Her ashes will be privately interred at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wasilla.

Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Palmer and Wasilla is handling arrangements.