Helen Hart, 95; Involved in Life

Helen Hart, a 17-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away at the age of 95 on August 14 from complications of a recent heart attack. She died at home surrounded by her family. Helen and her twin brother, Harold, were born in Chicago, Illinois where she lived until her marriage to Bill Hart. Her parents were both Swedish immigrants. One of her first jobs was working as a tour guide during the Century of Progress in Chicago during the Depression. In later years, she was an executive secretary. After her marriage to Bill Hart, a math professor at the University of Minnesota, she typed all of the pages of the many college math texts that he authored. She and her family lived in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota until Bill retired from the university in 1967. They moved to La Jolla three years later. Helen moved to Pacific Palisades in 1987, three years after her husband died, to be near her only child, Marie Steckmest, and her family. Helen had lived in and visited Pacific Palisades previously with her family during her husband’s sabbatical leaves from the University of Minnesota and periodic vacations, and enjoyed the friendliness of our town. Helen was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren grew up going to her home after school for snacks, spending the night, and learning to swim in her pool. She moved in with her daughter’s family nine years ago, after a fall from a stroke. She loved being around the family and seeing the kids grow up. Helen enjoyed reading the Los Angeles Times, watching TV, and sitting in the garden. She was ‘with it’ and enjoyed discussing current events. Her favorite outings included getting her hair done by Ann at Michele, Michel International and going to Dante’s for lunch. She appreciated having such a good local restaurant where ‘they know you.’ She had a good witty sense of humor and loved socializing with her family and their friends. She loved strong coffee, Manhattans and martinis, and chocolate ice cream. Helen is survived by her daughter, Marie Steckmest (husband Larry), grandson Jeff Steckmest, and granddaughter Lisa Steckmest. A celebration of her life was held at Palisades Presbyterian Church with interment at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma. Contributions in Helen’s memory can be made to Turning Point Transitional Housing in Santa Monica or to the Salvation Army.