It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Mary Lautenschlager on Friday, December 12, 2014 in her beloved adopted hometown of Sonoma California.
Helen was born September 1, 1944 in Petersfield, Hampshire and raised in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire England. She is survived by her two children, Daryl Horn (Denise Horn) of Napa, CA, Amanda Horn (Troy Biddle) of Bainbridge Island, WA, her cousin still living in England (sisters throughout life) Marigold Tilly (Ray Tilly) and their families. The loves of her life were her grandchildren Greta Horn (18), Jared Horn (16), Joseph Horn (11), Baden Biddle (10) and Devon Biddle (7).
After attending Godstowe Preparatory and Pipers Corner School for her primary education, Helen studied business and French at Wycombe College. She exceled at sports including lacrosse, field hockey, and track and field in her youth and remained an avid sports fan as an adult, cheering on the Sharks, Giants and 49ers. Upon completing her education, she spent time in France sharpening her language skills before returning to work in London. She came to California in 1965, working as an au pair. Soon after her arrival, she met and married Danny Horn and had children. Initially, while Daryl and Amanda were young, Helen stayed at home but in the mid-seventies she returned to the business world where she worked in the hi-tech industry in both England and the Silicon Valley until she retired in 2009. Helen’s life-long love for travel was fulfilled at work by meeting with clients throughout the world as well as personally by exploring exotic places like Fiji, Greece, Iceland, Galapagos Islands and anywhere else that struck her fancy!
In 2009 Helen relocated to Sonoma in order to be closer to her family in Napa. She quickly fell in love with the area, established lasting ties with a strong network of friends and became an active community member. Among other things, she regularly volunteered at The Vintage House, became an Ambassador of Sonoma for the Visitors Bureau, and was the 2014 Newcomers Club President. She also spearheaded ‘Ladies Night Out’ events, played in weekly/monthly Ma Jong and Canasta groups, walked regularly, possessed a love of wine, chocolate and music (classic and pop), frequently visited Bainbridge Island and rarely missed the grandkids’ various sporting events and other school activities.
All are welcome to attend services on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel located at 525 West Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476 and will continue to celebrate Helen’s rich life with family and friends at The Vintage House located at 264 First Street, Sonoma, CA immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Vintage House (details can be found at www.vintagehouse.org).
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