Helen Gates, retired educator
Helen “Wini” Gates, 84, of Milton, passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, April 9, 2024, after complications from a stroke in mid-February.
Helen was born Nov. 9, 1939, to Samuel West Jr. and Virginia West in S. Charleston, W.Va. She graduated from Albans High School in Albans, W.Va., and went on to Concord College in Athens, W.Va., to become an educator. She also received a master’s degree from University of Delaware.
Helen was an educator and counselor for many years at William Penn High School in New Castle. She taught in New Hampshire as well. She traveled and skied all over the world enthusiastically and taught abroad in Pakistan, Brazil, and many other places. She always spoke fondly of her time spent abroad and treasured the opportunity she had to meet different people and experience different cultures.
When Helen retired from teaching, she headed back to Goshen, N.H. In the fall of 2003, Helen applied to be a Friendship Family volunteer at Dartmouth College to serve as a local resource for international students brand new to the country. She was paired with a freshman student from China named Yuni Yan (known to Helen as Nini). It was a perfect match, and a lifelong bond began. They spent many weekends and holidays together, including driving to West Virginia with her beloved dog, Lex, to spend Christmas with Helen’s family. Over the years they grew very close, and Helen often referred to Nini as her daughter, as she had become a part of Helen’s family and her close friends’ lives.
In 2005, Helen decided to move back to Delaware; she was done with the harsh New Hampshire winters. She relocated to Milton, as she had many longtime friends living in the Rehoboth Beach area and made many new friends. Helen became involved in the Sussex Family YMCA and took part in their fitness classes and swimming pool offerings. She became very involved in the Cinema Art Theater as a volunteer and committee member for the Jewish Film Festival, previewing and choosing films for the festival. Helen had a love for dogs, and when she lost her last dog, Abby, she became a dog sitter for her neighbor’s dog.
Helen enjoyed dinners with friends, music shows, of course, the New England Patriots and a glass of wine or two!
She is survived by her late brother Howard “Laymen” West’s wife, Gretchen, and daughters Renee (Bitsy) and Karen; her sister, Janette Martin (W.Va.); a nephew, Aaron Martin, wife Lisa, great-nephew Wyatt and great-niece Sophie (Ky.). As Helen considered Nini family as well, she is survived by Yuni Yan Sobel, husband David, and sons Jonathan and Simon (N.Y.). She will be missed by so many friends, some of whom have been friends for over 54 years.
A memorial service will be held at a later time (May/June).
In memory of Helen, consider a donation to Rehoboth Beach Film Society, 179 Rehoboth Ave., Unit 1457, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, rehobothfilm.com.
A final thought: Helen’s favorite song was “Imagine” by John Lennon. Her favorite line was “And the world will live as one!” Spread some kindness, understanding and acceptance each day to honor Helen!
Visit Helen’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
