Helen Ferrin

Helen Ann Hotle Ferrin, lately of Glendale, Arizona, lost her long battle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease on May 26, 2020. She was 76.



Born and raised in Piedmont, California, Helen was the daughter of the late Robert and Arline Hotle. She was preceded in death in 2016 by her beloved husband of 50 years, Ross Ferrin.



Helen loved her family, she loved animals, and she loved nature. She had a great talent with horses and dogs. She developed her early love of animals, nature, and outdoor activities while spending the summers of most of her life at Lake Tahoe. This deep love was a thread through her life as she chose homes located in spectacular natural settings with room for horses and dogs. She and Ross lived many places including Northern Utah where they raised their daughters and Sedona, Arizona. She dedicated 22 years to nurturing and training puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. She volunteered her time in schools, charities, and her church. Those who knew her were drawn to her infectious laugh, big smile, and warm generous nature.



Also preceding her in death, her brothers Robert and James Hotle. She is survived by her sisters Arline Smith and Louise Smith. Helen was mother to Eleny Briggs and Peggy Tobias, mother-in-law to Avrom Tobias. She was grandmother to Keely Culver, Gavin Beaudry, Owen Briggs, Esme and Sadie Tobias; great-grandmother to Ian, Jeremiah, and Helena Culver.



We have dearly missed Helen as we lost her vibrant and loving presence in stages over her many years of Alzheimer's disease. We are comforted that she is released from her struggle. We will continue to greatly miss and love her.



The family will plan a memorial. Contributions may be made in her memory to Guide Dogs for the Blind of San Rafael, CA (www.guidedogs.com), Children International (www.children.org), or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation (www.alzinfo.org).