Helen Marie Hegge

Helen Marie Hegge, 68, died peacefully at home in San Pedro on November 8, 2023, after a long illness. Helen was born as Helen Marie Licciardello on June 27, 1955, in Whittier, CA to Stephen and Barbara Licciardello. Her father would later change the family name to Lacie.

Helen grew up with her family in San Pedro. She graduated from San Pedro High School, where she ran cross-country and developed a lifelong passion for running. She attended Sonoma State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Anthropology with a focus on primatology.

After college, Helen lived in Santa Barbara, CA, where she met and married her husband of thirty-nine years, Andrew Hegge. Later, the couple would relocate to Los Angeles and San Pedro. Helen managed a local running store, Marathom's, which was owned by her brother Thom Lacie. While embracing and contributing to the running community in San Pedro, she continued to run privately, socially, and competitively.

After the birth of her children, Oliver and Isabel, Helen began volunteering at their elementary school, Park Western Place Elementary. This led to a second career as a librarian for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Helen was a beacon of light for the children she read to, challenged, and touched over a 16 year career at several LAUSD elementary schools. Her smile and her energy were constant and contagious.

Helen was a practicing Roman Catholic. She belonged to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Pedro. She volunteered as a confirmation instructor and raised her children in the church. Helen lived in San Pedro for almost sixty years. She had many friends and always took the time to greet each one on a walk, or a run, at the grocery store, or on Paseo Del Mar.

Still, at her core, Helen would rather be at the beach. On countless summer days, Helen planned, packed, loaded, and led her family to the beach. Sunbathing, sand castles, and sunset dinners awaited those family and friends who were fortunate to be with her. We will always remember her vigor and enthusiasm in the water and on the sand.

Helen is survived by her husband Andrew, her children Oliver and Isabel, and her siblings, Jane Ghesquiere, Thom Lacie, Julia Olguin, and Patty Pekich.

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