A best dressed life

Helen Uppington was born the youngest of fifteen children in 1949 and couldn’t wait to be grown up like her siblings, ready for life to start.

And once she got started, Helen didn’t stop.

“Never, ever did I hear Helen say, ‘Carol, let’s have a rest,’” said good friend Carol Rymer. “Her indomitable spirit and boundless energy exhausted me. Helen loved life and loved living.”

Throughout her days, Helen was known as the life of the party. She was immaculately dressed for every occasion, dancing in stilettos at never-ending social events and taking home a best- dressed trophy from a Melbourne Cup event.

In addition to her bustling social calendar and enviable wardrobe, Helen had a big heart.

She volunteered with many organisations including the Women and Children’s Hospital, Meals on Wheels and the Walkerville Football Club.

She also dedicated her later years to teaching English around the world, adding to her many travels alone, with family and with friends.

As one of Helen’s final, generous acts, she chose to leave a significant gift in her Will to support medical research at SAHMRI, enabling researchers to continue making new discoveries.

Helen had visited SAHMRI on a tour with a Legacy group many years ago, in honour of her second husband Brian Uppington who served in the Navy.

After receiving her own treatments in later years, leaving a bequest to SAHMRI was a fitting way for Helen to acknowledge the impact medical research had on her life and the ones of those she loved – allowing that indomitable spirit to continue for as long as possible.

Helen will be remembered for her generosity and the joy she brought the people around her.

“Her vibrant personality brightened everyone’s day. She was open-hearted, courageous, and above all, inspirational,” said Carol.

The inscription Helen’s family chose for her headstone reflects her radiant spirit: “She did it her way.”

If you'd like to learn more about leaving a gift in your will please contact michelle.ward@sahmri.com.