On September 26, 2018, Helen Glikman, MSW, PhD died after a brave battle with ovarian cancer. She was the beloved wife of Daniel Bartley. She was also the loving daughter of Elsa Wiirsalu-Glikman and sister to Sam Glikman. She was a caring friend.

Helen had many passions. Her primary passion was the life she shared with her husband Dan, who remained by her side through her difficult struggle with cancer. Helen and Dan shared their love of the performing arts—theater, opera, chamber music. She looked forward to summers and its many opportunities to listen to beautiful music at outdoor concerts. Helen also shared her love of travel with Dan, traveling to Paris where Helen lived after she graduated from Tufts University and also traveling to much-loved New England sites in Rhode Island, Provincetown, Maine, and Vermont.

Helen was passionate about social justice—this passion played out in a number of ways. Helen received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Simmons College. She worked as a social worker at both the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and at the Beth Israel Hospital. She volunteered for a time at the Henry Street Settlement House in New York and spoke fondly of this challenging work. She went on to receive her PhD in sociology from Harvard University, after focusing on her study of teen fathers.

Helen taught social work both at Wheelock College and most recently at Salem State University’s School of Social Work where she was a tenured professor. She especially enjoyed teaching adult learners who already had experience in the field of social work and who brought that experience to further their learning. She admired the students, many of whom worked while attending school and were the first in their families to go to college. She served on many Boards, including on the Boards of NASW and of Paine Senior Services.

Helen was a “die hard liberal,” according to friends. She was a “more than active” member in the Cambridge Democratic City Committee over many years. At her death she was a member of the Ward 9 Committee, previously serving as Chair of that Committee. She worked on many political campaigns, starting with the 1982 campaign for Michael Dukakis. She served as a delegate of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Helen was an active and devoted member of First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist contributing to the life of the parish in countless ways. A memorial service will be held at First Parish Cambridge, 3 Church St., Cambridge on Saturday October 6th at 2pm.

There is no reserved parking at the Church. Relatives and Friends are requested to find available parking.