Helen Nadine Pence, 80, died Wednesday, Jan. 30.

She was born in San Luis Obispo to Herschel Don and Laura Louise Pence. She was stricken with polio at age 7 and spent the rest of her life in a wheelchair. He early years were spent at Shriner Hospital in San Francisco.

Her parents moved to Plumas County in 1942, and wanting her to finish high school in a public school, they enrolled her in Quincy Junior Senior High where she graduated with the class of 1951. After high school, she worked for the Forest Service and Dr. Mansell in Quincy as a bookkeeper.

Ms. Pence later attended San Jose State University where she earned a degree in education. She taught school at the Chandler Trip School for the Handicapped in San Jose until her retirement. She was a resident of Oakdale since her retirement.

She is survived by her brother, Chesley (Sam) Pence, Sr. of Quincy; two nieces and their spouses; and two nephews and their spouses.

Private graveside services will be held in Oakdale.