Helen Emily Case Durichek
Helen Emily Case Durichek, on October 4, 2024, passed to her rest at her home of 55 years in Collegedale, TN.
She was born on October 18, 1935 to Melvin and Carrie Case in Portland, TN. Helen graduated high school from Mount Pisgah Academy in Candler, NC, in 1953 and Southern Missionary College, in Collegedale, TN (now Southern Adventist University) in 1958, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Business with an emphasis in accounting. Helen met the love of her life, John Thomas Durichek, Sr., of Chicago, Illinois, while in college.
Helen and John married in 1958 and moved to Highland Academy in Portland, TN, where they lived for a total of eight years. Helen served as John’s right arm as his executive secretary, taught Home Economics and, while caring for her three children, served as a mother figure for the academy students.
Returning to Southern in 1969, Helen became the treasurer of the Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1971, she added the Greater Collegedale School System to her treasurer responsibilities. In 1986, Helen returned to her alma mater as the Associate Vice President for Financial Administration. Helen’s design and artistic talents were seen through facility renovation and historical preservation at SAU. Her organization and planning were displayed as she spearheaded the design and completion of new buildings on campus. Helen retired in 2005 after 40 years working for the Southern Union of Seventh-day Adventists.
Helen loved God’s beautiful nature and volunteered in education and service with the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County. In her church, she was an elder and a deaconess and, along with John, supported strong marriages by sponsoring Marriage Enrichment seminars and monthly activities. Researching family ancestry, traveling to and corresponding regularly with her 78 first cousins, along with family and friends, were her passions.
Survivors include children Deborah (James Duerksen) of Collegedale, TN, John Thomas Durichek, Jr. (Rebecca Hartnett) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Betty (Chris Farley) of Walla Walla, WA. Grandchildren are Joseph (Brittany Mudrich) Durichek of Collegedale, TN, Emily (Kevin) Ford of Vancouver, WA, Evan Farley of Walla Walla, WA and Sarah Durichek of Fredericksburg, VA. Great-grandchildren are Anthony and Camilla Durichek and Theodore Ford.
The memorial will be held in the Collegedale SDA church on March 9, 2025 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Southern Adventist University Student Aid.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.