The Willow Glen Resident

Photograph by Skye Dunlap

Early Reader: Three-year-old Grace Hoffman thumbs through a favorite book in the children's area of the library.

Friends of Helen Owen continue to honor her memory through books

The library still receives donations in honor of the late business manager

By Cecily Barnes

Inside the cover of hundreds of children's books at the Willow Glen Library, a white bunny rabbit can be spotted leaping over the words In Memory of Helen Clair Owen. They are among the hundreds of books donated to the library in memory of former Willow Glen Business and Professional Association manager Helen Owen, who died in 1993 after a grueling battle with cancer.

Last week, the Willow Glen library received a $500 check from the Helen Clair Owen fund, a sign that Owen's memory remains strong in the community. Each book purchased with this $500 will, like the others, display a white bunny rabbit leaping over Owen's name.

"She used to call people she really liked 'Rabbit,' " Owen's good friend Mimi Braatz said. "She'd say, 'He or she is a really good rabbit.' "

Owen served for eight years as WGBPA business manager. After her death, WGBPA president Mimi Braatz was approached by many people looking for an appropriate memorial.

"I just sort of started this thing as a memorial to my friend," Braatz said. "We decided on children's books because Helen loved to read, she loved children's books and she loved children. Also, at the time, the library was having quite a cutback in funds."

Since its inception, the fund has raised $3,213 and placed 331 new children's books on the shelves of the Willow Glen Library.

"It's been something that's enabled us to purchase over $3,000 worth of new children's books," said Maurice Stevenson, branch manager of the Willow Glen Library. "That was really a benefit for the community because then the books are here and people can borrow them."

All the books purchased with the fund are bought at Hicklebee's on Lincoln Avenue, keeping the money local.

Although the largest contribution was made soon after Owen passed away, small contributions have continued to trickle in over the years from close friends and family, allowing the fund to continue.

"I make donations in my client's names every year," Braatz said. "It is my hope that we will continue to bring books to the children for years to come. I think that Helen would be pleased with the number of books we've added to the children's collection."

Contributions can be sent to Mimi Braatz at 651 Willow Glen Way, San Jose, 95125. Checks should be made payable to the Helen Clair Owen Fund.

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