Dr. Helen Hift

MADISON - Madison has just lost a most loyal and hard working democrat, Dr. Helen Hift, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Born in Vienna, Austria, Helen came to the United States for a one year study sabbatical at the age of 17. Due to the outbreak of World War II she never returned. With great fortitude for which Helen is well known, she continued her studies and obtained a Doctorate in Biochemistry which led her to the University of Wisconsin Enzyme Institute and the Nursing School at the University of Wisconsin. She was a researcher for over 30 years at UW and she taught an ethics course for the School of Nursing. Helen loved her home on Lake Monona and every morning was greeted by the view of the capitol. She was dedicated to the Democratic Party, where she served as a lobbyist and volunteer. She also served as treasurer for the National Women's Political Caucus. In addition, Helen was also a great supporter of the Audubon Society and the UW Arboretum. Helen lived life to the fullest and only a few months ago attended a symposium on owls at the arboretum, fully engaged from her front row seat – as was Helen's way. Donations may be given to the Arboretum or Agrace Hospice Care. A special thank you to the volunteers from Agrace that assisted Helen, as well as from Bright Star and Oakwood Village. A very special thank you to Mary Caulfield who helped Helen to live her entire life independently, which was her desire. There will be a "Celebration of Life" open house for friends at the house of Mary and Dan Caulfield Friday, February 26th from 2-5pm and a grave side service at Roselawn Memorial Park starting in its Chapel at 2:30pm on the same day. Arboretum - https://arboretum.wisc.edu/get-involved/donate/ UW–Madison Arboretum Attn: Falon French 1207 Seminole Hwy Madison, WI 53711 Agrace - https://www.agrace.org/make-a-gift/donate-today.html Agrace 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway Madison, WI 53711 Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420