Helen Marie Haas Elliott, born June 19, 1950, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, just three days before her 75th birthday. Helen was a lifelong educator, beginning her career as a dedicated English teacher before serving as a curriculum specialist in multicultural education and later as a principal. She believed deeply in the power of public education and spent her life championing equity, inclusion, and learning for all. As an active and longstanding member of the Oklahoma Education Association and Union Classroom Teachers Association, she never crossed a picket line. In 1990, she participated in the infamous strike that resulted in the passage of the Oklahoma Education Reform Act.

After a shocking diagnosis of multiple myeloma in her 40s, Helen underwent a life-saving stem cell transplant that enabled her to live a happy and fulfilling life for 29 more years. As a cancer survivor, she cared deeply about advances in medical research and advocated for healthcare as a human right.

A gifted writer and storyteller, Helen published several short stories that reflected her deep empathy and her love for language. She was also a talented artist who found beauty in both words and images. Her creativity was matched by her sharp intellect and tireless advocacy—most notably as a proud and active member of the Tulsa Democratic Party. Helen is survived by her loving husband, Larry Elliott of 30 years; brother Michael (Judy) Haas of Denver and sisters Dorothy (Jim) Reidy of Oxford, Mississippi, Deborah Maxwell of Tulsa, Gretchen (Bob) Haas-Bethel of Tulsa, and Jeanine Haas (Alice) of Amherst, Massachusetts; daughters Dr. Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan (Tvli Jacob) of Tulsa, Dr. Kasey Jernigan of Honolulu, Meghan Jernigan (Josh Gales) of Seattle, Jennifer (David) Willis of Dallas, Kathryn (Todd) Bacon of Tulsa; and nine grandchildren spanning in age from 8 to 23 to, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Helen lived with heart, conviction, and grace. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired, the causes she championed, the stories she told, and the family she cherished deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held 4 pm, Monday, June 23, 2025, at The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, 1801 N. McKinley Ave., Sand Springs, OK 74063.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the International Myeloma Foundation (link) , in honor of Helen's lifelong dedication to education, science, and social justice.