Hellen Ireland Guttinger
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Dr. Hellen Ireland Guttinger died peacefully at the Bailey Hospice Center on September 13, 2021 after a long illness.
She was born in 1938 to Minnie Ruth Nipper and Jesse Leo Ireland in Quincy Florida and was first in her family to graduate from college. After Leon HS in Tallahassee and her undergraduate years at FSU where she was in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Hellen earned a Masters and PhD from University of Florida, devoting her life to Education.
During her career she taught public school students of all ages and was a professor of education at University of Florida. At P.K. Yonge Laboratory School, Hellen directed Writing to Read and the Title IV-C Reading Dissemination Projects, and helped establish the National Writing Project on the UF Gainesville campus.
She was a visiting professor at Stanford University on sabbatical, and served on the Board of Planned Parenthood. Her involvement in research and developmental reading and writing programs led to directing professional development for teachers, and presenting at numerous conferences around the world. Hellen consulted for IBM corporation, served as the Director of Planning, Research and Evaluation in Gwinnett County, and was Principal of Honey Creek Elementary School in Conyers Georgia.
Hellen spent her retirement years in Saint Augustine FL enjoying her role as "Best Nana" ever. She was passionate and fearless in all things, holding her family in highest regard; her loving presence in this world will be deeply missed.
She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Carla, her husband of 50 years Don, and her sisters Nadine Bass (Ernest T), Gloria Harvell (Hershel), and brother-in-law Dr Robert Bird. She is survived by her sister Mary Emma Bird, her sons Greg and Walt (Victoria), and grandsons Ian and Wes. Many nieces, nephews, loving caregivers and other family and friends will remember her fondly.
A private family memorial will be held at Craig Funeral Home on Monday September 27, 2021 at 11am. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring her memory by donating to Planned Parenthood, Bailey Hospice Center, or educational entity of your choice.