Helene Follmer

Helene Follmer, a longtime Las Vegas resident, and one of the original cornerstones of the Southern Nevada Art community, and the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012. She was 81. The wife of longtime Las Vegas physician, Hugh Follmer, Mrs. Follmer was born April 13, 1931, in Mitchell, S.D. She attended Colorado College, and received a B.A. from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Helene and Hugh moved to Las Vegas in 1962 and began their involvement in the Las Vegas community. An active member of the Las Vegas Junior League and Allied Arts Council, Helene found her passion in the development of the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. Her creative efforts were channeled toward the development of concepts into a viable reality. She was the project director of the Children's Museum 1986-1988 and served as the acting executive director for a period of time. She was active in numerous Las Vegas volunteer organizations. Her awards include: Sustainer of the Year, Junior League 1983-1984; Governor's Arts Award, Nevada State Council of the Arts 1981; Carnation Community Service award, 1979, and finalist, Women of Achievement, Chamber of Commerce, Women's Council, 1988. Mrs. Follmer was a member and secretary of the Nevada State Council on the Arts, 1981-1990; trustee and executive committee chairwoman for the Junior League of Las Vegas since 1965; member and past president, Allied Arts Council; member of the Assistance League of Las Vegas since 1983; president Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Club, 1972; member and past president of P.E.O. Chapter V and, in 1989, board member of Class Act, joint project of AJL/AAC/CCSD. A member of All Saints Episcopal Church since 1962, where she served on the Vestry. Helene was a member of the Las Vegas chapter of the International Friendship Force. She hosted many international travelers in her home, and also served as that organization's president. Helene's pleasant smile, quiet way, and willingness to do whatever she could to participate will be remembered. She is survived by her brother, Timon Greene of Las Vegas; son, Bruce Follmer of Las Vegas; daughter, Anne DeMartini of Manhattan Beach, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and many lifelong friends. Memorial service is planned at 10 a.m., Monday, April 30, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4201 W. Washington Ave., with a reception to follow. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, attn: Cora Sutehall, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, NV 89101, www.ldcm.org

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