Helen was born on September 26, 1951, in Hanford California, the daughter of Dan and Phylis Parra. She was the eldest of their two daughters.
She attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia CA, where she attained her Associate of Arts Degree. She then completed her college education at California State University Fresno, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art in 1973, and subsequently a Master of Arts in Special Education in 1992.
Helen worked for the Davis Advertising agency in Fresno for serval years before choosing her life-long career as an elementary school teacher.
Helen provided 43 years of exceptional service as a special education teacher for the office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. She supported various special education programs in several Fresno County school districts including Alice M. Worsley School on the Juvenile Justice Campus and, most recently, as a resource specialist for Violet Heintz Education Academy. Helen worked tirelessly and with great enthusiasm to instruct students in need of special attention, patience, and love. She was a mentor and friend to many. One highlight of Helen’s outstanding career was being awarded the Carolyn Dobbs Special Education Teacher of the Year in 2011.
Helen enjoyed group activities, and outings, as part of her work associated with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. Additionally, she maintained membership with the Cherry Tart Chapter of the Red Hat Society and the Teddy Bear Club.
Helen is survived by her younger sister Theresa Ann Dunning, and older half-sister Allice Kendricks. Helen is also survived by her “adopted daughter” Sabrina Petrova, and two inseparable pets known to all as Felix the cat and Brownie the dog.
Helen was preceded in death by her long time, friend, and companion, Tim Salzer.
Funeral services for Helen was held on Friday, March 25th at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel at 1:00 PM, followed by a Graveside Service at Belmont Memorial Park.
To view a recording of Helen's service, please follow the link below.
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FAMILY
Theresa Dunning (Gary)Sister
Alice KendricksHalf-Sister
PALLBEARERS
Bruce Parra
Harry Farsakian
Kathy Parra
Steve Parra
Erik Nyberg
David Deutscher
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