Helen Kent Dies At 92

Helen Hirsch Kent, age 92, resident of Culver City, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, November 28. The cause was congestive heart failure.

Born September 3, 192, in Chicago, she attended the University of Chicago Laboratory School from kindergarten through 12th grade as her father was a professor at the University. Helen attended and graduated at age 19 from the University of Chicago where she majored in English.

She could quote Milton or other classic authors at the drop of a hat. She was a teacher until she married William P. Kent with whom she had four children. Over the course of her life she lived in Chicago, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Horsforth (near Leeds), England; Falls Church, Virginia; Sanibel Island, Florida; Albuquerque, New Mexico and Culver City.

Helen was a loving wife and mother who could make a wicked pun and loved Warhol and the Pop artists. She was a creative artist in her own right, filling her home (and many others) with wonderful paintings in her characteristic bright, bold colors. She played flute, piano, guitar and sang; and appreciated Bob Dylan as well as Beethoven. She loved the outdoors, including hiking and swimming, and she gardened with a passion.

Preceded in death by her husband Bill and her sister Katherine Ayala, she is survived by her sister Jean Priest, her children John Kent, Harry Kent, Nance Kent and Joyce Genis, plus eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and eight nieces and nephews.