March 17, 2008

SAN DIEGO - Helen Kanavel, the administrative assistant for the women's basketball team the last two years, died Friday afternoon following a traffic accident on her way home from campus. She was 62.

"Helen was one of a kind," said Aztec basketball coach Beth Burns. "Her independent spirit and `can do' attitude was a wonderful example for our players and staff alike. No task was too small, and no request was met with anything other than a smile. She loved our team deeply, and was very, very proud to wear the Red and Black.

"Helen was the consummate professional who represented our team and our program with class and respect. Her passion and enthusiasm for life is what we will choose to focus on. Our thoughts and prayers are with Helen's daughter, Polly Kanavel, and her son-in law and Polly's husband, Scott Horvath. Our Aztec family will stand by them and see them through this difficult time.

"We know how much Helen would want us to celebrate her life with joy and not sadness. She would ask you all to be kind to one another, and share that kindness with all animals, from her trademark pink flamingos to her cat Burton, and her beloved dalmatian, Ruby. Thank you, Helen. We miss you."

A San Diego State alumna with a degree in business administration, Helen also worked in the technology transfer office at the SDSU Research Foundation for five years. Before that, she spent 10 years, beginning in 1991, at Fremont Corporation, which specializes in workers compensation, in San Diego.

Kanavel resided in La Mesa, Calif., and was a graduate of Hoover High School in San Diego. She is survived by her daughter, Polly Kanavel, and her son-in-law Scott Horvath, who also works in the athletic department as the information technology coordinator.

The family asks that donations be made in Helen's memory to the Save the Manatee Club. To make a donation, please reference H.K. Kanavel, mother of Polly Kanavel, 5137 Guava Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941, and mail your contribution to:

Memorial/Special Occasion Gifts
Save the Manatee Club
500 N. Maitland Ave.
Maitland, FL 32751
http://www.savethemanatee.org/donate_memorial_sog_form.pdf