... one who had been quite a force in the community. Helen had once taught at Appstate but retired the year before I got there. My good friend and colleague Dom Lorenzo had worked closely with her on a number of projects trying to promote the social good.
She was, it must be admitted, a crusty, cantankerous forceful woman who wanted things done her way and did not suffer fools at all, much less gladly, but she had a good heart and did much for the education of the people of Wilkes, especially the Hispanics. It was Helen who encouraged Carmen to teach English as a second language to inmates at the state work camp (aka prison) which I think was an important and formative experience for Carmen. Helen, who knew a thing or two about teaching, told me that Carmen was a gifted teacher. Which is true (she has certainly taught me all kinds of things).
For all these reasons I will post the entire obituary which appeared on the front page of the Wilkes Journal Patriot:
Dr. Helen Elizabeth Latour, 85, of Cricket Ivy Lane, North Wilkesboro, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 at Villages of Wilkes Skilled Care.
In 1989, Dr. Latour founded Volunteers for Wilkes Literacy (VWL), an organization to teach, through trained volunteers, reading and writing to those in need. In addition, volunteers worked to raise public awareness of the literacy needs in Wilkes County.
VWL provides one-on-one tutoring for illiterate adults, English as a second language, and citizenship instruction by trained volunteers. VWL also offers instruction for parents of children in the Head Start program.
Dr. Latour helped as a leader, instructor and fundraiser for the organization. One of the events which she organized was a spelling bee for teams from local businesses and organizations.
In 2009, Dr. Latour was presented with the North Carolina Medallion Award, the state's highest volunteer honor. She was nominated for the award by the Wilkes Volunteer Commission, which recognizes volunteer service in Wilkes County. She was the first resident of the county to receive the award.
The Medallion Awards in 2009 were presented to 20 volunteers in the state.
posted by Clemens | 11:16 AM
2 Comments:
Lucky Carmen to have had the opportunity to know this amazing lady.
Yes. She meant a lot to Carmen. The paper even had an editorial about the good she had done for Wilkes.
But it looks like her funeral may have to be delayed because of an ice storm Tuesday morning!
Post a Comment
<< Home