News

Obituary: Helen Bohn Jordan, 89

by Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home
Thursday Jan 13, 2022

Helen Bohn Jordan
Helen Bohn Jordan  

Jordan, Helen Bohn, died peacefully January 5, 2022. Born August 21, 1932 to Harriet Bohn, Helen's childhood included many strong, loving motherly influences from her grandmother Leila Stevens (Vanderhoof) and her aunts Leila (Adams) and Gladys.

Helen graduated Smith College in 1954. Armed with her sharp mind, a love of language, and a precise eye, Helen became a freelance writer in New York City; her assignments focused on television and the arts. The interviews she conducted of many contemporary theater and TV stars were published in The Christian Science Monitor and other outlets. It was her journalism assignments for BBC that ignited and satisfied Helen's passion for travel. Both at home and abroad, Helen enjoyed the socialite life. It was while working for a television station in New York that Helen met the love of her life, Frank Jordan, who had been assigned to photograph many of the subjects of Helen's articles. Helen and Frank moved to Boston and eventually settled in the South End in 1983.

Helen redirected her talents and became a realtor, establishing herself as a distinguished and knowledgeable broker. Helen also brought her inimitable class and distinct style to the Boston social scene, in which both she and Frank thrived. The two of them cared for, and helped shape their neighborhood in ways that remain visible today. Widowed in 2005, Helen remained a formidable presence in the lives of those around her until her passing.

She is mourned by many who enjoyed her wit, opinion, perspective, and history: her cousin Patricia Stevens of Glen Allen, VA; Michael Reinders, whom she considered family; her caregivers and neighbors; they all rejoice that Helen is at last reunited with Frank for they have missed each other dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be in late Spring. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations be made to either the South End Historical Society or Smith College.

Submitted by Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home.