Helen Bradley Gurganus

Helen Bradley Gurganus, 84, died Saturday morning, 31 July, in her home at Magnolia Glen in Raleigh. In her long life she was a steadfast wife, loving mother, nurturing mentor, and loyal friend. Born 4 July 1926 in Asheville to Rev Earle L Bradley and Elese Lingerfeldt Bradley, she and her younger brother grew up in parsonages in Asheville, Spencer, and Wilmington--an experience that shaped her deep spiritual values. She graduated from New Hanover High School in the midst of the Second World War and at age seventeen wed US Army Pfc Albert Gurganus of Jacksonville. After the war she attended Campbell College and worked for the Red Cross while her husband studied first at Campbell, then Wake Forest, and established himself in business.

When her sons were born in 1952 and 1956, she devoted herself wholly to the role of parent for years, staying at home, driving in carpools, attending PTA meetings, and encouraging academic achievement. In 1963 she and Albert opened Rake & Hoe Garden Center in North Raleigh. Serving as greeter, salesperson, and bookkeeper, she remembered names and faces, even those of kids and pets, while cultivating a faithful clientele for two decades. When son Steve assumed the business in 1983, she and her husband eased into retirement, traveled with friends across the US and Europe, and relished quiet weekends at Pine Knoll Shores.

A lifelong Baptist and Democrat, Helen Gurganus espoused majority rule and minority right, empathized with those in need, and championed the underdog. She volunteered as a peer counselor at the Women's Center and generously supported a host of church, community, and personal charities. She loved people, animals, and life. In recent years her grandchildren were a source of boundless pleasure. Her quality of life was greatly enhanced by her trusted caregiver Cindy Haan.

Predeceased by her husband of 53 years, she is survived by son Al Gurganus and his wife, Susan, of Raleigh and Wadmalaw Island SC; son Steve and his wife, Kathleen McQuaid, of Raleigh; grandchildren Ciara and Nghia Gurganus; brother Earl Bradley of Raleigh; and several nieces and nephews, including Lisa Bradley of Syracuse NY, Vickie Tysinger of Morehead City, Tanji Bradley of Raleigh, and Sophie Massengill of Wilmington.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 Wednesday morning, 4 August, at Forest Hills Baptist Church on Dixie Trail in Raleigh. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Wake County SPCA (www.spcawake.org), a favorite of Helen's.