Helen Clair Walsh Liles was the fourth of six children born to Irish immigrants, Susan and Thomas Walsh, on April 22, 1926. Helen grew up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and attended Catholic schools. After high school graduation she went to work for the telephone company.
A young sailor caught her eye at a USO dance. She and Ronald Liles were married in 1948 and started their family. Three daughters were born before Ron finished his navy obligation and they moved to Fresno, California. Helen often told the story of her first time on an airplane with three girls under the age of four.
As the years passed, four more children joined the family and Helen was at home to care for them. She was a strict disciplinarian and devoted to her faith. Punishment for her children often involved making them walk to church.
When all the children finished high school, Ron and Helen became active members of the Submarine Veterans of WWII, E Clampus Vitus, and the Fresno Jazz Society. Their travels were often planned around gatherings of these groups. Helen served as President of the woman’s auxiliary of the Sub-Vets and planned many reunions of the group.
Ron passed away in 2000 after a long illness. Helen became a volunteer at the just opened Sunnyside High School. She quickly grew close to a number of students who, 20 years later, stay in touch with her. Her heart was big and there was room to add these young people to her family. She loved working at the school and participated in all the Sunnyside activities.
Helen liked Irish music, anything purple, and being in charge. She had a quick wit, a feisty disposition, and a kind heart. She was not afraid to speak her mind or try new things—including a hot air balloon ride to celebrate her 80th birthday. She was always ready to shop, make a trip to Chukchansi and play bingo. Despite living in California for 68 years, she never lost her Northeastern accent.
In 2016, after a fall, Helen moved from her home in southeast Fresno to the Nazareth House. She quickly adjusted to her new home, participating in many activities and making new friends. She peacefully passed away in the embrace of the Nazareth family on December 3.
Awaiting Helen in heaven is her husband of 53 years, Ron, her granddaughter, Shannon Fisher, and her son, Tim Liles, who passed away in September. She is also predeceased by her sister and four brothers.
Helen leaves a legacy of family and faith. She is mourned by her children, Susan Fisher Schultz (Lee), Janice Gallinetti (Jon), Darline Serrano (Ed), Ron Liles (Patty), Patricia Gimbal (Lance) and Kevin Liles (Sheri) and daughter in law, Valerie Villalobos-Liles. She is adored by her grandchildren and their families, Gregg Fisher (Lesley), Brian Fisher (Jamie), Matt Gallinetti (Kayleigh), Jackie Evelyn (Tony), Tom Gallinetti (Stephanie), Jeffrey Serrano, Mike Serrano, Michelle Gibson (Kurt), Melissa Browning (Taylor), Ross Gimbal (Ashley), Scott Gimbal, Marissa Gimbal, Chris Deaver, Zack Liles, Elizabeth Wemhoff (Colby), Rachel Liles (Justin) and Patrick Liles (Chloe). Helen is the doting great grandmother of fifteen.
A mass and celebration of life are planned for spring 2021. Donations in Helen’s memory can be made to Nazareth House, 2121 N First St, Fresno CA 93703 or to the Tim Liles Memorial Scholarship at Sunnyside High School, 1019 S Peach Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727 attention: Michelle Anderson.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18