Helen Loraine Stoddard, 90, was born on July 20, 1923 in Charleston, West Virginia and died peacefully with her family around her on the evening of September 25, 2013 in Rancho Mirage, California . She was born to Lillian and Emery McClure and was raised with her three brothers: James, Peter and Harold McClure . She met her husband Dr. Paul M. Stoddard at Charleston General Hospital where he was intern. After World War II , Helen and her "young" Cpt. Dr. Stoddard, moved to a small mining town in Whorten, West Virginia. Early in their relationship Helen worked close at her husband's side delivering babies and generally taking care of the coal miners and their families. She gave birth to three daughters and a son (Mary, Bonnie, Candy and Paul Jr.). She fulfilled her high school year book goal of becoming the "best wife and mother in the world". In 1957 she moved her family to Orem, Utah. In a location and era when women were seldom seen nor heard outside of the walls of their home; Helen excelled in business. She built a successful beauty salon and with an initial investment of $5,000.00 she developed and built the first FHA financed convalescent hospital in the State of Utah. In 1963 she sold the convalescent hospital for a considerable profit and moved to Palm Springs, California. There she was active in the community and many charitable organizations including the Assistance League. She opened and operated two convalescent centers, one located on Sunrise Way in Palm Springs (it still operates today). She stayed active in real estate and developing businesses until the late 1970s. When her husband retired from the Palm Springs Medical Center in 1981; they traveled extensively throughout the world. They traveled through Europe, and Asia. Many times she would be accompanied by family on her preferred mode of travel: The Cruise Ship. Helen's energy was boundless and her love of life: a gift to anyone who met her. She touched many people. She was fascinated with the "life story" of each person she met. If you encountered her on the street or her favorite casino on a Friday night (never on Sunday) and you spoke with her for more than 30 minutes she would share her strong testimony and belief in God; whom she credited for saving her life as a small child. Her empathy for others was boundless. After speaking with Helen and having her listen to your story; you walked away feeling better (whether she had a solution for you or not). She was the person to call and the ear that every family member sought out; from the youngest grandchild up. At barely five feet tall she attempted to remedy her lack of height with her signature hair do: a hairstyling phenomena that defied the laws of physics and the brisk winds of the Desert. Her love of family kept them close. Helen is survived by her four children Mary Bonnie Paul and Candy, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Her life centered around her family and a true love of life. She touched and impacted countless lives and she will be forever missed by family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 69855 E. Ramon Road Cathedral City, Calif. 92234
