Helen Rizzo

Helen Rizzo was born June 13, 1919, in Seattle, Washington, and passed away Nov. 1, 2014, at the age of 95. In 1981, a newlywed at 62 years young, Helen moved to St. Helena with her second husband, Nick Rizzo.

As a young girl, Helen lived in San Francisco and attended Lowell High School. She enjoyed being a Chi Omega sorority sister at UC Berkeley. Helen was an avid horsewoman, skier and lover of travel. Throughout her life, she traveled to many exotic places, including a year sojourn in Switzerland with two of her daughters. In her late 40s, Helen received her RN degree, working for many years as a nurse at the Kyakameena Care Center in Berkeley. She is survived by two beloved friends she met during this happy time of her life, Portia Strause and Mary Massey.

As a St. Helena resident, she became an active member of the Ladies Golf League at Meadowood Country Club. She was also a member of the St. Helena Garden Club, and enjoyed hosting outdoor parties in her garden or sitting amongst the beauty of her flowers.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Kate Jones and Grace Jones; granddaughter Kristina Grimm; nieces Judith Whitehead and Julia Jacobsen and their children; son-in-law, Alfredo Schonborn and his loving family; and the many wonderful nieces and nephews of Nick Rizzo; as well as her beloved friend, Connie Colon; and her kitty, Jewel.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Nick Rizzo; eldest daughter Noel Schonborn; and Jean Henderson, beloved cousin who was like a sister.

Those who knew Helen will recall a smart, independent and feisty woman. She lived a full and active life, and will always be remembered for her courageous spirit.

Rosary will be held at the St. Helena Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 5th at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be held at the St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00 am, Thursday, November 6th. Interment will be at the St. Helena Catholic Cemetery immediately following the Mass on Thursday.