Obituary of Helen Bott Guetzow

Our Mother, Helen Bott Guetzow, joined her Sisters,  Brother, Mother, and Father in Restful Peace last night, January 15, 2019, surrounded by Michael, Karen, Sarah and her loving Caregivers at Tarzana Manor, in California.  

Born, the baby of the family, and raised in Oak Park, Chicago, she made California her home in 1955, joining her husband Richard, Daughters Kate, Susan, and Son Michael on a road trip along Route 66 without the comfort of air conditioning.  First residing in San Bernardino,  and later in Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Tarzana.

Mom believed in beauty, parties, and never revealing her age.  Although her twin, Harriett, was born November 5th, 1921, Mom would only admit to 29 years.  The actual number being three times that plus 10.  She attributed her longevity to eating a little chocolate every day and drinking champagne whenever you heard a cork pop.

Mom was only married once, it ended in divorce 20 years later, and in another 20 years, she was able to forgive ex-husband Richard as they settled into the roles of Grandpa Bigfoot and Grammie to Sarah, Babba to David and James.  She worked in banking and led an active art filled life in Santa Barbara, where she attended Trinity Church and was an associate member of the Moose Lodge.

She was a Santa Barbara Gal;  she is currently resting there, although her ashes will be interred later this year at the family site, Ridgewood Cemetery, near Chicago.   Perhaps we’ll wait until August for the move so she can be here for one last Fiesta Parade.   She loved the costumes and the dancing and the music.

The Mariachis are quiet now, but we hope you will remember her whenever a party livens up.  Perhaps you’ll think of her, together with her family again, and maybe grab a glass of champagne and toast LIFE, because that’s what she was all about.

With Love,
Michael, Karen & Sarah, Kate, Larry & David, Susi, Colin & James