In Memoriam

In Memoriam | DR. HELEN SCHAEFER

WE ARE DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE RECENT PASSING OF DR. HELEN SCHAEFER

Helen was a bedrock for so many in our community, and ARS was particularly fortunate to have Helen as a Founding Board Member. When ARS incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1986, Helen was instrumental in helping ARS prepare and file the application for incorporation. She served as an inaugural board member and continued as an honorary board member until her death. Her advice on many topics proved invaluable to ARS in establishing a reputation in the Southern Arizona community and achieving financial viability.

ARS was honored to perform when the Helen S. Schaefer Poetry Center at the University of Arizona was dedicated in 2007. She served as Honorary Chair of ARS’s 25th Anniversary celebration at the prestigious Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, which included performance of a work commissioned in her honor. With her husband, John, she provided generous financial support and guidance to ARS for more than three decades. ARS feels the deepest gratitude to Helen for her many years devoted to helping us become the well-known choral ensemble we are today.

In Memoriam – Jane Neve

Jane Neve, a valued member of our ARS family, passed away in December 2020. She was our Front of House Volunteer coordinator for several years. She developed the procedures for recruiting, organizing, and managing the volunteers at all concert venues. She communicated regularly with them, thanked them for their service, and kept them informed about ARS activities. She was also a warm and friendly presence at the door as we entered to sing our concerts.

The Neve family has been an important part of ARS for a long time. In addition to singing with us, Jane’s husband, John, served as an effective, and beloved, president of ARS for many years. Their son, Dave, sang with us for several years and served as our stage manager. We wish them peace.