Dr. Helen Key Van Fossen died April 2, 2018 after a short illness. She was born May 19, 1926 to Harry Thomas and Maude McPhate Van Fossen in Lake Providence, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers - Harry Thomas Van Fossen; Thomas Van Fossen, and Marshall King Van Fossen. Dr. Helen leaves her nieces Tomascene "Tomi" (John) Van Fossen Christman and Margharita "Rita" (Bill) Van Fossen Davis and nephews Marshall Van Fossen, Jr, Karl Joseph Van Fossen and H.T. Van Fossen, Jr.
A host of grand and great nieces and nephews. She was affectionally known as Dr. Helen by her patients and family.
Dr. Helen started her medical career after graduating with a B.S. Pre-Med from LSU in Baton Rouge, LA in May 1948.
She earned her M.D. degree from LSU in May 1955. She started her Rotating Internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans (1955-1956) and her Residency in Internal Medicine at Charity Hospital in New Orleans (1956-1959). Dr. Helen then completed the National Institute Health Trainership in Gastroenterology at LSU from 1959-1962. Upon completion, she relocated to the Memphis area and started her affiliation with St. Joseph Hospital and later Baptist Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 1990. Dr. Helen received many honors and awards. From 1974 through 1977 She served as Chair for Department of Internal Medicine - St Joseph Hospital; First Vice-President Ballet South; Board of Director of Memphis Ballet Society; Guarantor of Metropolitan Opera; Visiting Nurse Association Medical Advisory Committee and served on the Symphony Board. In 1988, Dr. Helen was elected Senior Warden of the Vestry - the first woman at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church to be elected to this position. Special thanks to all the wonderful staff and workers for the excellent care she received at Allen Morgan at Trezevant. Memorial Service will be held 1:00p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at St. Edward Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to a charity of donor's choice.