Helen McBride Anderson, a distinguished academic and a beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, surrounded by her loving children, Susan and Gary.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Helen epitomized the grace and charm of a southern gentlewoman, her soft tidewater accent a warm presence to all who knew her.
A proud alumnus of Longwood College, where she earned her teaching degree, Helen dedicated her life to academia and continuously sought knowledge throughout her impressive 96 years.
Her marriage to Chuck Anderson, a US Naval Academy graduate, set the stage for a lifetime of global adventures.
Together, they journeyed across the world, living in diverse locations such as Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Iran, where Helen immersed herself in the rich cultures of the peoples she encountered.
An insatiable learner, she took particular pride in researching art, architecture, and religion, enriching her extensive knowledge library that spanned two rooms.
Helen’s literary enthusiasm extended beyond her personal collection; she delighted in sharing her books with friends who shared her interests, fostering a vibrant intellectual community.
Even in her later years, she continued to pursue her academic passions, giving lectures until just two years before her passing and completing her autobiography, a testament to her remarkable life filled with tales of notable figures she had met.
Her journeys were not merely vacations; they were explorations during a time when travel required adventure and effort.
In the 1980s, after a three-year term as Chairman of the San Diego Museum of Art’s Asian Arts Council, Helen was invited to lead travel tours to Asia for the museum.
She meticulously planned each trip, ensuring that local festivals, personal contacts in the region, and unique experiences were incorporated, making her tours highly sought-after among her friends, many of whom traveled multiple times with her.
Among the many countries she loved, India held a special place in her heart, fueling her fascination with Indian art and Buddhism.
While living in Taiwan post-revolution, Helen contributed her expertise to the National Palace Museum in Taipei, gaining hands-on experience during her two summer internships.
Additionally, in Bangkok, she dedicated herself to the National Museum of Thailand, where she served as a docent, cataloged ceramic collections, and aided archaeological efforts in Ban Chiang, northern Thailand.
Helen’s vast knowledge of Asian art, paired with her ability to share it, was not just impressive but also deeply inspiring.
In 2006, upon her return to Coronado after three years in Hong Kong, Helen felt a longing for the engaging discourse of fellow travelers.
In response, she founded the Armchair Travel program at the Coronado Senior Center, a successful initiative that thrives today, standing as a testament to her creativity and commitment to community engagement.
Her contributions extended to serving on the Board of Directors of the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and being a lifetime member of the Siam Society.
In San Diego, she nurtured her social connections as a long-standing member of the Wednesday Club and the Coronado Crown Garden Club.
Helen was a beacon of grace, wisdom, and love, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
She will be remembered not only for her extensive knowledge and travels but also for her kindness, inspiration, and the lasting legacy she created in her community.
Survived by her children, Susan and Gary Anderson, and his wife Debby, granddaughter Lesley Hoisington, grandson Brian Anderson, sister Sara Collins, brother George Collins, and nephew Brent Collins and his family, Helen’s impact will resonate through generations.
The family will hold a private interment at Fort Rosecrans, with a celebration of life planned for later this summer to honor her extraordinary journey.
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