Barbara Helen Hedge-Purdy

Barbara Helen Hedge-Purdy, lovingly known as Helen to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at the age of 90.

Helen was born on July 19, 1935, in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she was raised and later met the love of her life, Bobby Joe Purdy. Together they began building a family in Terre Haute before moving to Tucson, Arizona, in the late 1960s, where they would create a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Joe Purdy, who passed away in 2006; her infant daughter, Bobbie Ann Purdy; and her daughter-in-law, Sabrina Purdy.

She is survived by her sons, Danny Purdy; Bradley Purdy and his wife Kimberly; Norman Purdy; Robert Purdy; and Jason Purdy and his wife Brenda. She was a proud grandmother to Samantha Purdy, Ashley Purdy, Chelsea Molina, Jasmine Caceres, Jeremy Purdy, Colton Purdy, Kathryn Purdy, and Robert Purdy, and a cherished great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love and kindness.

Family was the center of Helen's world. Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering her children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends together. She loved hosting family celebrations, holiday gatherings, and backyard get-togethers, creating the moments that became treasured family memories. Her home was always open, her table always welcoming, and her heart always big enough for everyone.

After dedicating the early years of her life to raising her family as a stay-at-home mother, Helen returned to school and pursued a career in education. She became a Special Education teacher, a role that perfectly reflected her patient, caring, and compassionate nature. She devoted decades to helping students learn, grow, and succeed, continuing to teach until the remarkable age of 80. The lives she touched through her work as an educator are part of a legacy that will continue for generations.

Helen was an avid reader who rarely went without a book nearby. She believed in the value of learning, the importance of kindness, and the power of family. Her students, friends, and loved ones knew her as someone who listened without judgment, offered encouragement when it was needed most, and gave of herself freely.

More than any accomplishment, Helen will be remembered for the love she shared. She was the glue that held a large and growing family together, the person who remembered every birthday, celebrated every achievement, and made everyone feel welcome and valued. Her family was her greatest pride and greatest joy.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her family takes comfort in knowing that her love, wisdom, and traditions will live on in the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless others whose lives she touched.

Helen's legacy is one of family, service, generosity, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.