Dr. Helene Lucy Dwyer

Dwyer, Dr. Helene L. Madison   Dr. Helene Lucy Dwyer, age 68, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2009 surrounded by her loved ones. Helene was diagnosed with ALS in October 2006, and since, while dealing with a terribly debilitating disease and constantly worsening state of physical health, she remained, always, a soul of calm, kindness, beauty, and warmth.   Originally born, raised, and educated in New York, Helene moved to Madison in 1977. She taught philosophy for the University of Wisconsin at several campuses for 24 years, and throughout her life in Madison, reached out to the community in many ways through her teaching styles, involvement in non-profits, and more plainly, in the simple, nonjudgmental acceptance she had for all living beings, no matter how flawed.   Helene was passionate about animal rights and eventually began her own cat rescue operation. To this day her daughter feels guilty for potentially inciting this, as she was the one who asked for a kitty at every birthday and Christmas.   Helene is survived by her daughter, Caroline; sister-in-law, Marie; and nieces and nephews, Mary Helene, Martin, John, Dawn, and Michael. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Paul, Jr. ""Red""; and sister, Mary.   Helene will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with her. Her quiet, thoughtful consideration for life has changed so many around her, and in turn, their actions. In addition to remembering her benevolent spirit, we will all also remember her for establishing the standard of having a ""chocolate drawer"" in every household, and wearing the wildest knee socks she could find.   A gathering of family and friends will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3325 E. Washington Avenue, Madison on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from noon until we begin sharing memories of Helene at 1:30 pm.   In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please send donations to: The Alliance for Animals of Madison, P.O. Box 1632, Madison, WI 53701, www.allanimals.org, or consider going vegetarian.   A special thank you to all of Helene's caregivers .