Remembering Helen Sutton: Help SSCC Arboretum, in her honor

| Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A month has passed since the news that former Junction entrepreneur and community volunteer leader Helen Sutton – longtime La Grace Dress Shop owner and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s first woman president – had died, at age 95. (Here’s our story from June 24.) Friends had told us there would be news later of a possible memorial, and Sandy Adams has forwarded news of this one: South Seattle Community College will honor Ms. Sutton with a special event in the SSCC Arboretum at 2 pm August 13. Its rose garden is named for her – she helped create the Arboretum itself, as well as helping establish the SSCC Foundation, and serving as a board member for many years, including time as board president. and the school is putting out the call for people to help tidy the entry and the Helen G. Sutton Rose Garden itself before the event. The cleanup will be August 7 or 8, and lunch will be provided to volunteers. Call Adrian at 206.282.8040 if you’d like to volunteer for the cleanup.

Patti Mullen July 29, 2009 (10:26 pm)

Helen reflects the caliber of community leadership that “makes things happen” and West Seattle is rich with people like Helen – but we need to see you! Helen was committed to bringing forward the very best of West Seattle: fostering the development of a highly respected community college; broad participation in a community built on faith and health; building a vibrant business community; passion for building and maintaining an arboretum that is only one of few in the city, and so much more. Her willingness to devote her time, energy and expertise to bringing forward the entire community of West Seattle is a lasting treasure that we can all enjoy. She was a remarkable mentor and example to us all.

Carolyn Johnson August 13, 2009 (9:03 am)

Helen was not only a leader in the community but in the entire State. She was a member of the General Federation of Women’a Clubs for 60 years and served as our State President in 1950-1952. We will remember and honor Helen this Saturday, August 15th, at 1:00 PM with a Memorial Service at Federation Forest east of Enumclaw. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact me at cajcarolyn@comcast.net

Arthur Siegal August 13, 2009 (11:02 am)

Helen and I served on the Seattle Community College Board for a number of years. She was a diligent and committed member. Above all, she was a consistent advocate for West Seattle.

Perri Sutton August 15, 2009 (11:20 am)

Helen’s greatest contribution to society is not an arboretum, scholarship, or her time spent on boards and committees. These are the things for which you may know her, but as her granddaughter, I know that the best of all she gave is her son, Bill.

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