Helen Hansen Mahony

Throughout her 97 years, she was always ready for an adventure. She learned to snow ski in her twenties, took up golf as a young mother, and celebrated her 90th birthday by zip lining.

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of driving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO, what a ride!”

Helen was born and raised in Berkeley, California. After graduating from Berkeley High, she attended UC Berkeley. On a ski trip to Sugar Bowl, she met her husband, Don, (also a UC Berkeley student) and was married in 1947. Helen and Don subsequently moved to Sacramento and built their family home. Once settled, Helen became active in her community, particularly the American Association of University Women.

As a young mother, Helen took up golf which remained a passion late into life. She and Don continued to ski and eventually purchased a second home on Donner Summit, It was dubbed “The Treehouse” and was enjoyed by family year round. Helen and Don were big on travel, making several trips to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and elsewhere.

Helen had an active life near home as well. She had dropped out of the university when she married. She returned to college in the mid-70s and eventually graduated from UC Davis with a degree in history. A cancer survivor herself, Helen volunteered at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop for nearly 40 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Donald G. Mahony and son, Michael G. Mahony. She is survived by her daughter, Anne, granddaughters, Meghan and Martha Hudson, and grandsons, Taylor and Patrick Mahony, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. No services will be held at her request.