Published: May 16, 2008 09:16 am         

Helen S. Thal [Boca Raton]

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Helen Sue Thal, 79, of Boca Raton, died peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton.

Sue was born Jan. 4, 1929 in Cumberland, Md., the daughter of Benjamin and Idaline Kamens.

She attended Mt. Royal Elementary and was a graduate of Allegany High School and Hood College, where she majored in Art History. In 1951, Sue was married to Lawrence I. Marks and they had two children, Sally and Edward Marks, who both live in Atlanta, Ga. After Larry's untimely death, Sue remarried Irwin Thal of Toledo, Ohio in 1969. They honeymooned in San Francisco which was her favorite city. They moved to Boca Raton in 1971, where they lived together until Irv's death in 1990. Sue was actively involved in the Ocean Reef Towers condominium association, were she served continuously on the board and various committees until her death.

Sue was a world traveler, who treasured adventures whether she was riding a camel in Egypt, on a safari in Africa, exploring the antiquities of China, the museums of Europe, crossing the ocean on a cruise ship to Tahiti or taking in a Broadway show in New York City. She was a lover of the arts, frequently attending the ballet, symphony, the theatre, jazz concerts and movies. Whether she was going to the grocery store or a black tie event, Sue was always the proper lady who dressed in style. She enjoyed being with friends playing golf, bridge, mahjong and sharing in their companionship and friendship. Sue volunteered her time for a number of organizations, including the Cancer Society's Reach for Recovery, Boca Raton Public Library and Adult Literacy Program.

Donations in her honor can be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton.