Helen Pancic

Helen Pancic left the earth plane early in August at her daughter’s home in Florida after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in November. She departed peacefully with her family around her. Known to A.R.E. of NY members as the author of The Inquiring Reporter column for The Open Door, Helen was also a mailing volunteer and helped with housecleaning the Center on special work days -- as well as being a generous supporter of A.R.E. NY.

According to her son, Alex Pancic, Helen was born in 1929 and lived her whole life in Brooklyn, attending Erasmus Hall High School and Hunter College. She worked as a biochemist until she married and had a son two children.

After her children left home, Helen blossomed into a new phase of life. At age 50-something she began a career as a clown. She also joined a singing group, an acting troop, and was very active in the local Brooklyn Senior Citizen’s Chapter. Helen stood up for what she believed in and was not content to simply complain. She felt it was every citizen’s place to fight injustices and greed. From her involvement with Women Strike for Peace in the 1960s to the Raging Grannies only a few months ago, Helen would not be silent in standing up for what was right.

Her quest for peace and spirituality led her to renew her involvement with the
Rosicrucians and join the A.R.E. in the 1980s. She spent much of her later years in reading, study and contemplation -- and went on several trips with the ARE, including a trip to Egypt in 1998 to see the pyramids of Giza.

A memorial service was held for Helen at A.R.E. of NY in August. Her son, Alex, would like to thank A.R.E. members for their prayers for Helen. And we at A.R.E. NY will be forever grateful to Helen for her loving service.