Culver City Observer -

Helene A. Mirich Spear, a highly respected and successful violinist, pianist, contractor/manager, and teacher in the Los Angeles area has passed away peacefully in her home three months shy of her 94th birthday.

For decades Helene managed the Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, the Peninsula Symphony, the Westchester Symphony, the Culver City/Marina Del Rey Symphony Orchestras and the Carson Symphony among others. Along with her beloved husband, the late Julian Spear, they managed and contracted the Joffrey Ballet as well as the Ojai Music Festival Orchestras. Helene collaborated with many of the worlds greatest musicians in solo, classical, and jazz performances during her lifetime. She was always in great demand as a teacher and coach of keyboard harmony and improvisation to professionals in the music, movie, and television industry. Helene was a wonderful music teacher and was always so proud of her students. Additionally, she devoted her life to supporting the arts at all levels and she loved sponsoring animal rights charities. Helene touched the lives of so many people and will be greatly missed! Survived by family and friends, there will be a private celebration of Helene's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.