Susan K Helfrich

Susan K. Helfrich, age 72, of Evansville, passed away Monday, November 21, 2016 at the Deaconess Hospice Care Center. Susan was born October 4, 1944 in Evansville to the late Jim and Bernie (Dean) Helfrich. She was a 1958 graduate of St. Boniface Grade School and a 1962 graduate of Mater Dei High School. Susan began her career in Washington, D.C., in the Research and Marketing Division of the United Mine Workers of America. She also worked as the Executive Director of the Prince Georges County Commission for Women and as the Government Liaison for Boston University. Susan started the first battered women’s shelter in Prince George’s County. Upon returning to Evansville, Susan began her long and prestigious tenure as the Executive Director of the Evansville Bar Association. While serving the EBA, Susan fostered many programs and initiatives. Susan was a champion for women lawyers in a field dominated by men and a very active member of the YWCA. She embodied the YWCA mission, “Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women” in every way. She served on the YWCA Board of Directors and on several committees with a fierce passion and with a wonderful sense of humor. In 2011, the YWCA honored Susan at the “100 Years 100 Women” event, celebrating 100 years of the YWCA. She had a deep desire to serve the poor and to see that everyone had access to legal services. Under Susan’s leadership the EBA established its pro bono program in 1990, followed by the Volunteer Lawyer Program of Southwestern Indiana. Susan created the first “Talk to a Lawyer” program in Southwest Indiana. In recognition for her efforts, Susan was appointed by Chief Judge Randall Shepard to the IOLTA Pro Bono Initiative Committee in 1995. She was the only non-attorney appointed to the committee. She was later recognized for her pro bono efforts by being awarded the prestigious Randall T. Shepard Award – Excellence in Pro Bono Publico and in 2007 the EBA recognized her for her lifelong achievements by honoring her with the James Bethel Gresham Freedom Award. Susan retired from the EBA in 2008 after 25 years of dedicated service to the association and our community. Susan was a charter member of the Women’s Political Caucus-Indiana, the Vanderburgh County Women’s Democratic Caucus and was very active in several political campaigns, including local City and County Council races, Mayor and Congress. She was a member of the Vanderburgh County League of Women Voters and was very proud that this fall she was able to vote for Hillary Clinton for president. Surviving Susan are her sister, Sally (John) Green and brother, George (Marsha) Helfrich; nieces and nephews, Michael Ritter, Mark Ritter, Jennifer (Michael) Blackmon, Stephanie (Evan) Freeman and Peter (Shay) Helfrich and great nieces and great nephews, Mitchell, Logan, Hunter and Hayden Blackmon, Ella, Dane, Alec and Tess Freeman, Jack, Layla, Claire and Molly Helfrich. Friends may gather with Susan’s family to celebrate her life from 1:00 until 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. Friends are also welcome to join the family to continue celebrating Susan’s life at Smitty’s Tavern on West Franklin Street from 4:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. on Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the YWCA, 118 Vine Street, Evansville, IN 47708, to the John L. Sanders Memorial Fund, c/o Evansville Bar Association, 401 SE 6th Street, Suite 101, Evansville, IN 47703, to the Mater Dei Friends and Alumni Association, 1300 Harmony Way, Evansville, IN 47720 or Susan would love for you to adopt a family for Christmas. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Susan K Helfrich

October 4, 1944 - November 21, 2016