Helane Carol Golden, 73, died on May 12th in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at the Beit Shalom Jewish Community on Thursday, May 15th at 11:00 AM with Rabbi Henry Karp officiating. A celebration of her life will be held in Cedar Rapids at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Transitions Mental Health Services in Rock Island or Inhora Hospice House in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Helane was born on July 7, 1951, to Seymour and Suzanne Resnick Golden in Rock Island, Illinois and graduated from Rock Island High School and the University of Wisconsin. After completing her master's degree at the University of Iowa, she taught special education at Monroe School and Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. In her retirement, she tutored new Americans in English at Harding School and the Catherine McAuley Center.

Most of Helane's life was dedicated to the importance of participating in the political process to elect people who reflected her values. She worked tirelessly on the campaigns of candidates who championed her beliefs in the importance of education for all, the need for mental health services, and the creation of caring communities. She was invited to a holiday reception at the Obama White House in recognition of her efforts.

Helane was a member of the NEA, the League of Women Voters, Indivisible, and AAUW. She was honored by United Way for her volunteer efforts and by the Linn County Democrats for her leadership. She served on the Mayor's Visual Arts Commission and the Cedar Rapids Advisory Committee for the Americans for Disability Act. Helane loved her book groups, collecting antique books, and watching all sports on television.

Helane is survived by her sisters Linda and Libby and her brother Howard as well a large extended family.

Her family is being assisted by Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory. They would like to thank all her health care providers including Dr. Vincent Taeger and the Mercy Care Team.