Always meticulously coiffed and beautifully atired, Helen Gustafson looked as if she belonged at an elegant ladies luncheon rather than competing at the bridge table. But Helen did the latter for decades, with a tenacity and vigor that few could match.
With almost 14,000 masterpoints, Helen ranked seventh in District 14 for masterpoint achievement. Her win in the Rockwell Mixed Pairs in 1983 with husband John gave her the national title she needed to earn the title of Grand Life Master. Helen added another NABC win in 1997 with the Truscott Senior Swiss. You can read much more about Helen and her long, rich life here in the Des Moines Register.
Helen had a most successful career at the bridge table and with bridge activities of all stripes, loads of friends and a large and loving family. We feel fortunate to have had Helen among us, and we will miss her tremendously.
Our deepest condolences to husband John and the rest of Helen's family.
She was a grand lifemaster and a grand lady. We all miss her....we thank her for all her special gifts.
Posted by: Ann Olsson | Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 10:46 AM