Helen passed away at Emanuel Medical Center, on Friday surrounded by her family. Helen was born in Oakland, CA to Hiram and Dora Smith. After moving to Turlock, Hiram was a gold miner in the Jenny Lind area and Dora became a bookkeeper at Turlock's Palace Meat Market. At an early age Helen came to live with her Mama Morrrison. Grandpa and Mama Morrison were dairy farmers on East Avenue in Turlock. There she met Joe Blanc Sr. who has been the love of her life for 74 years. She and Joe had two wonderful boys, Joe Jr., and Harold. In 74 years they were rarely seen apart from one another.
Helen who being raised on a dairy and becoming a farmer's wife “had her feet in the dirt most of her life”. Helen worked hard on the family farm on Griffith Avenue, always making sure Joe Sr. had a fresh cup of coffee at 10 a.m. sharp. She believed that family always came first. Vacations to Arizona were scheduled around the holidays, always leaving just after Christmas to ensure they were home before Easter. She was a P.T.A. president and Den mother for her boys when they attended school. The boys could bring any friend home and she would welcome them as if they were her own. Always prepared to feed an army or maybe just lending a clean towel, Helen never turned them away. Her boys describe her as “the most amazing mother”. She was a faithful member of the Crossroads Church where she took great joy in being a secretary for her Sunday School class. After her and Joe's retirement, one of their many ministries to the church was spending every Saturday sharpening the pew pencils for the Sunday morning service. Helen also loved to do personal needle points for her family creating a unique Christmas ornament for her children and grandchildren. She is remembered each Christmas as family trees are decorated with these precious mementos. Her generous spirit, loving heart and cute little smile has touched many people through the years.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents Dora and Hiram Smith, her only brother Harold Smith, her son Richard Blanc, a granddaughter Julie Cox, and her daughter-in-law Judy Moe Blanc.
Helen leaves behind husband Joe Sr., sons Joe Jr., and Harold (Kathy) Blanc all of Turlock. She also leaves grandsons Jon, Todd, Ryan, and Marc Blanc, one granddaughter Cheryse Nelson, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be held at Allen Mortuary, Wednesday, March 17, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. A Graveside service is scheduled for
Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Helen Blanc’s name to the Crossroads Church at, 1360 N. Johnson Rd., Turlock, CA 95380. Please share your condolences on line at
www.allenmortuary.com