It is with sadness and love that her family shares the passing of Helen Elizabeth (Berg) Pederson of Corrales, NM, on September 25, 2026, at the age of 88. She was diagnosed with cancer of gallbladder origin only two weeks earlier and was able to be at home with her family for the remainder of her days. Helen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 25, 1938, the first child of Lloyd and Alice (Goodhue) Berg. She grew up in Northfield with three sisters, Jeanette, Harriet, and Elaine. 

Helen was active in school, the Girl Scouts, and the YMCA. She was one of the first female counselors to lead a girls’ group on a multi-day canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with YMCA Camp Widjiwagan. Helen attended the University of Minnesota, where she studied Home Economics and Physical Education. She met her husband, Dick, at the University, and they discovered that they shared a great love for the outdoors. They became leaders of the ski and canoeing clubs on campus and made wonderful friends as they traveled on many trips to ski and canoe.  Helen and Dick were married after they both graduated on June 25, 1961, in Northfield, MN. 

They had three children, June, Neal, and Cari. The family lived in many states across the country as Dick pursued his career with the Forest Service. Helen worked as a teacher of physical education and preschool, taught fitness classes, and served in many volunteer roles as well.As their children grew up and each graduated from college, Helen and Dick retired to a beautiful home in Corrales, New Mexico. 

One of Helen’s favorite things to do was to lead and join hikes throughout New Mexico, exploring the beauty and history of the Land of Enchantment. Helen continued to volunteer at their church and at the YMCA for most of her life. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Smokey Bear Balloon chase crew from its inception.Helen deeply enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Ben, Michelle, Bella, and Ash. They will always cherish the time they spent with her reading, hiking, and chasing the Smokey Bear Balloon. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Richard Mathews Pederson and sister Jeanette (Berg) MacKenzie. She is survived by her children June Pederson, Neal (Kristin) Pederson, and Cari (Eric) Schnepp; grandchildren Ben Pederson, Michelle (Toby) Hogan, Bella Schnepp, and Ash Schnepp; sisters Harriet Berg, Elaine (Berg) Vance and half-brother John Flynn; Brothers-in-law Don (Darcey) Pederson, George (Alta) Pederson; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on October 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th St. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Westside Family YMCA in Albuquerque, New Mexico.To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.