Helen Bryant La Grasse

Helen Bryant La Grasse passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 25, 2016 after a brief illness. Helen was born in 1925 in Waldo, Florida to parents Owen and Beatrice (Harvey) Bryant. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1944. On June 4, 1947, she married her one true love, Frank J La Grasse, upon his return from serving in the Navy in the Korean War. They shared their lives in Gainesville with their beloved children Brenda and Deborah, where they designed and built their home, enjoyed annual trips to South Florida, Sunday drives, cookouts after church, and spending time with family and friends. Helen was a loving wife and mother and had many friends. She loved to entertain and was always ready to assist others. Throughout her many years, she enjoyed gardening, playing cards, swimming, wine making, travel, and square dancing. Helen was a member of the Gainesville Women’s Club, the Grand Squares, and the Telephone Pioneers. She was a devoted mother who led Brownie and Girl Scout troupes and helped with special events for her children. Helen retired from Southern Bell Telephone Company in 1982 after twenty years of service, and moved to Tallahassee, Florida in 2007 to be closer to her daughter Deborah. She treated everyone with fairness, respect and kindness, evidenced by deep concern for their well being. She was known for her generosity, creativity, common sense abilities, and a wonderful sense of humor. Her gorgeous smile… Many thanks to all of her friends, her caregivers, Renee Patterson, Carmen Allen and Joanna Jenkins, and to Cherry Laurel, where she resided for the last eleven years. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Gail La Grasse, and granddaughter, Cayce Jessica La Grasse Hook. In addition to her parents, siblings, and nephews, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Francis La Grasse (1974), husband, Frank La Grasse (2005) and son-in-law, Charles Hook (2008). A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Santa Fe Cemetery, Hampton, FL, (south of Starke). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Big Bend Hospice of Tallahassee or The American Cancer Society.

Tributes

Helen Bryant La Grasse

January 1, 1925 - February 25, 2016