Helen Barbara Nielsen

Fresno, California – Clovis, California

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Barbara Nielsen, who departed this life on October 8, 2024 at the age of 96. Born in Fresno, California on December 20, 1927, Helen was a loving mother, sister, aunt, friend to many, and being the smartest & classiest “Granny” out there.

Helen graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1945, and went on to go to Fresno State University. Spending most of her life in San Mateo, CA besides raising a family, she began her career as a secretary at Pullman Building Company in 1965 and eventually rising to corporate president and retiring in early 2000’s. Throughout her career, Helen achieved numerous accolades, and meritorious awards.

Beyond her professional life, Helen was deeply committed to her community. She was the first woman member of the Redwood Business Club, dedicating her time and resources to make a difference. Her kindness and generosity extended to her charitable donations. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity or a donation in memory of Helen Nielsen to the Human Good Foundation C/O The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens 5555 N. Fresno St. Fresno, CA 93710.

In her free time, Helen enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge with friends, spending time with her family, and watching 49’er football and Giants baseball. She was a member of the Edison Social Club and the Red Hats Club. During the last part of her life she lived at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens and enjoyed the friendships she made there.

Helen is survived by her son Michael Nielsen (Susan) of Albuquerque, NM, daughter Patty Slater (Bill), of Highlands Ranch, CO, Grandchildren Justin Nielsen (Erin McCan) of Lake Oswego, OR, Robyn Saia (Matt) of San Diego, CA, great granddaughter Elle McCan, sister-in-law Aileen Martin, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents William Patrick Martin and Emma Lorene Martin, husband Vernon Kenneth Nielsen, and siblings, Eileen Clark Jura (Pete), Jim (Teeny) Martin, Janice (Joe) Tiedemann, Pat Martin and Gerrie Luz.

Services are to be determined.

Helen will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family especially appreciates Helen’s niece Karyn Mastropoalo, for her care giving in so many ways.