Obituaries : * Helen Kauppi; Active in Ojai Arts Community

Helen Kauppi, active in the Ojai arts community, died of cancer at age 67.

Kauppi, who died May 15, was a member of the Ojai Arts Commission, served this year as special events chairwoman for the Ojai Center for the Arts, and was a nine-year member and past president of the Ojai Arts Center board of trustees. From 1989 to 1995, she chaired the annual Art in the Park event. In 1995, she produced and chaired the “Magic of the Arts and Flowers” exhibition at the Ojai Center for the Arts.

Kauppi also painted and sculpted.

Born Nov. 20, 1928, in Lansing, Mich., Kauppi moved from Illinois to Ojai nine years ago.

At 14, Kauppi was singing at U. S. war bond rallies in Lansing, and she studied voice at Michigan State University, where she met her husband of 46 years, Don Kauppi.

She was a professional singer, appearing with Lena Horne and at concerts with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She also appeared on television, in musical productions and films, including “Hook.”

Kauppi was also a real estate broker in Illinois before retiring to Ojai.

She was one of four founders of the Ventura County Media Network, a nonprofit corporation to promote local television and communication technology in schools.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, Donald Kauppi of Rock Springs, Wyo., and David Kauppi of Hindsdale, Ill.; her daughter, Lisa Kauppi Rosengrant of Glendale; her sister, Jean Sprague of Lansing, and six grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. June 1 at Ojai Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ojai Center for the Arts.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.

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Ventura County obituaries are published free of charge as a public service to readers. Obituaries are based on information provided by mortuaries.