On Friday, Helen, with her loving family at her side, lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Born in Highland Park, MI to Nick and Mary Nicholson they moved to Burlingame, CA at age 4.
Helen was an extraordinary woman with an amazing positive attitude who always made others feel her warmth and care. As a dear friend told us, when you met Helen the first time you felt as though you knew her for a long time. She had a rare talent for making others feel very special.
In 1965 Helen met her future husband Bill while vacationing in Hawaii. Bill and Helen were married on April 16, 1966 and she has been in San Jose since. Helen is survived by Bill, her sons Boots and Nick, Daughters-in-law Deanna, Kristen and her husband Mike. Also, she is survived by her five grandchildren, the "lights of her life", William IV, Chase, Nick, Andrew and Alexandra, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She loved to attend all activities the grandchildren participated in no matter the distance. Her sister Elizabeth Peter has been her soul mate and has been at Helen's side every step of the way in her battle with cancer. Elizabeth is the ultimate example of a loving and caring sister. She is also survived by Sister-in-law Karen McGee, Brother-in-law Jim Del Biaggio and his wife Debra, and Brother-in-law Don Peter.
Helen was an active mother while her sons attended Bret Harte Middle School, Castillero Middle School and Bellarmine College Preparatory. She served as President of the Bellarmine Mothers Guild in 1984-1985 and Bellarmine Fashion Show Co-Chairman in 1988-1989.
Helen is well known in the local non-profit community as she and her husband have been involved with many charities. Helen really enjoyed working in the community and loved to work with the schools her sons and grandchildren attended.
Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at Holy Spirit Church, 1200 Redmond Avenue, San Jose, CA. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen's name to Holy Spirit School or Bellarmine College Preparatory.