Sorum, Sue Helms

May 17, 1952 - May 9, 2010

Sue passed over on May 9, 2010, after living with cancer for 
two-plus years. She was 57 years old.

Sue is survived by her wonderful husband of 25 years, Joel; 
her treasured sister Dinah Clark and brother-in-law Rick 
Easter, and her loving sons and their wives, Bob and Kerry, 
and Jeremy and Jennifer, and daughter Amy, and four 
perfect grandchildren Tanner, Katelyn, Zachary, and Alex, 
whom she adored. She is also survived by cousins Roy D. 
(Pete) and Nona Harris, Tony and Tish Sutton, and Mike and 
Doreen Sutton. She was predeceased by her parents Ed and 
Gene Helms, and her precious nephew Eddie.

Sue and Joel spent many wonderful adventures together, 
backpacking, sailing, and exploring. A major adventure was 
sailing the inside passage from San Francisco to Petersburg, 
Alaska, in 2007 with Sues sister Dinah and close friend and 
fellow adventurer Mary Jane Kline. Sues sailing adventures 
also included extensive cruising in the Channel Islands of 
Southern California and the San Francisco Bay area. Sue and 
Joel have been members of the Vallejo Yacht Club for 20 
years, and also belong to the Silver Gate Yacht Club in San 
Diego.

Sue and Joel were determined to backpack the Pacific Crest 
Trail from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, 
and have completed much of the trail through Northern and 
Southern California. Sue would also spend time each year 
backpacking with husband Joel and good friends Mickey 
and Mason. Her other favorite areas were the Escalante 
Canyons in Southern Utah, the Wind River Range in 
Wyoming, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota. Sue 
never met a trail she didn't like, and always yearned to 
savor the wilderness and its offerings ''just one more day''.

Sue was deeply loved and admired by friends, family, and 
neighbors. She possessed an uncommon generosity that 
eased the burdens of life for those around her by giving a 
little piece of her heart and grace to everyone she met. Her 
kindness provided a safe harbor to all people from all 
backgrounds regardless of race, religion, economic status, 
or occupation. Sue's life was a life well lived through the 
love, grace, toleration, and dignity that she freely shared 
with all of her companions in the journey of life.

Sue served as a probation officer with San Bernardino 
County for ten years and then with the U.S. Probation for 
22 years. After promotion to several managerial positions, 
she was appointed Chief U.S. probation officer for the 
Eastern District of California. Sue served as Chief for six 
years before she retired in 2005. Sue thoroughly enjoyed 
her job, coworkers, and the people with whom she worked.

Sue so much appreciated the prayers and love so 
generously given by her family and friends. Special thanks 
are given to the Hospice of the Foothills in Grass Valley and 
especially Lynn Crawford.

Her body will be donated to research and, at her request, 
there will be no funeral. A celebration of Sue's life will be 
held at the Maidu Community Center, 1550 Maidu Drive, 
Roseville, CA, 95661, on Thursday May 20, 2010, between 
the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. If donation 
memorials are made, it is asked that they go to the Second 
Chance Cocker Rescue care of Joann Reagan at 4520 
Blanchard Rd., Placerville, CA, 95667, or to the charity of 
your choice. Second Chance rescues dogs and cats 
throughout California. 

Published in The Sacramento Bee on May 14, 2010