Helen Isabel Sheppard Hill Our sweet loving Wife, Mom, Nana, Gramma, Great Grandma passed away peacefully at home early May 16, 2019. Fortunately, eldest daughter Connie had arrived hours before from Austin, Texas for her regular visit. Maybe Mom was waiting for Connie before finally letting go, knowing her support for Dad and her siblings during this difficult transition was meant to be.
Among other endearing qualities, Helen was always a practical sort. Born September 6, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Isabel and Bud Sheppard, Helen grew up in idyllic Holladay, Utah. She was an easy-going, sweet tempered girl who loved to read, excelled in school and was a joy to her parents and very close to older brothers Bob and Bill.
Helen always had a soft spot in her heart for all animals, particularly dogs, beginning with her beloved collie, King. After high school at Granite High, Helen worked at Utah Oil, mastering shorthand and typing, while spending weekends socializing with friends, road tripping and skiing the Wasatch slopes before quick release bindings. She also became an accomplished seamstress, making stylish clothing, including her own wedding dress.
Helen married Dan L. Hill December 14, 1955. Together they raised three children, Connie, Dan and Beverly; braved the uncertainties of self-employment, beginning with the First Impression Landscape business and later the fine art bronze sculpture business; and grew old together in the house they built in Cottonwood Heights. Throughout her life supporting and nurturing her husband, children and grandchildren, Helen was always busy.
Her expertise as a young seamstress expanded to quilting, kid’s outfits, jeans repair, Halloween costumes. It didn’t really matter, she could do anything with her old sewing machine and a needle and thread. When it came to cooking, baking and canning, Helen had no peers.
She could turn a meal for two into a spread for six when one of the kids showed up unexpectedly with friends. Her holiday feasts, pies, cookies, brownies, jams, caramel corn, chili sauce and everyday meals were all legendary. Helen also had a golden touch when it came to plants.
Whether working as a professional florist at Gray Floral, as Dad’s petunia crew foreman, or the centerpiece maven, Helen always had a knack for sublime design and color. Helen’s real legacy is her family. She is survived by her husband Dan L. Hill, her three children, Connie Liddiard (Brian), Dan C. Hill (Cassie) and Beverly Hill, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Our family is eternally grateful to the caring staff at Brighton Home Health and Hospice for their great care and assistance during the past year. Thank you! A visitation to celebrate Helen’s life will be held Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Boulevard, Salt Lake City, Utah, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
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