Joan Alinder Helzer

After graduating from college, I moved to San Francisco to do a dietetic internship at UCSF. I’ve lived in California ever since. Before my daughters were born, I worked in hospitals as a clinical dietitian. When my oldest daughter left for college in 1987, I went back to school and got a master’s degree in Mass Communications—the Print Media. Eventually, I combined both degrees in my career. I retired from working at UC Davis in the Department of Nutrition, researching and writing nutrition curriculum and nutrition education materials for low-income families.

My two daughters and their families, including eight grandchildren, are the joy of my life! I moved to Modesto November 2008 to live closer to Becky and family. Amy and family live in Southern California and I travel there a number of times each year to visit.

My retirement years have included travel and fun with family and friends, lots of bridge games, and much church and small group Bible study involvement. I bought a new home in January 2010 and have enjoyed the challenge of mastering new home/yard maintenance skills. To help with my yard-work skills, I joined the Modesto Garden Club. My newest adventure is working in Patient Service as a volunteer in a local hospital. Through all these activities, I’ve met a wonderful group of new friends and Modesto has truly become my "home." I was divorced in 2009 and am so thankful for God’s abundant blessings through the ups and downs of life.

I have many fond memories of my years at Roosevelt and am really looking forward to our 50th reunion. Many, many thanks go to the committee for all their planning and for this fantastic website.