Helen M. (Toth) Ladden

Helen passed away after a long battle with the after effects of a major stroke she suffered in 2005. She is survived by Paul, her faithful husband of 53 years, and her children Heather Ann Goodman, Paul John and James Michael Ladden as well as her grandchildren, Jacob Paul Goodman and Charlotte Rose Goodman and her brother John Toth.

Helen was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to John and Helen Toth. She graduated in 1965 from Cardinal Dougherty High School and went on to receive her Associates Degree in Radiologic Technology from Misericordia Hospital in Philadelphia. She worked for several small group medical practices in the Philadelphia area.

Helen married Paul on her 22nd birthday in 1969. As their family grew, Helen and Paul moved to southern New Jersey. In 1978 the family relocated to San Jose in Northern California to support Paul in his career.

In San Jose, Helen took up running as a form of exercise, but she soon became a competitive runner. She ran many 10Ks, half marathons and several marathons. She completed the hilly San Francisco Marathon at a pace of 7:56 minutes per mile. She loved the freedom of running and was proud of her collection of "hardware" (trophies and ribbons for podium placements). Her racing days ended when she developed a heart arrhythmia in 1997. Helen also enjoyed photography and hiking in nature.

Not long after moving from San Jose to Redondo Beach to be closer to her first grandchild, Helen suffered a debilitating stroke that left her with the inability to do most of the functions of daily living. She survived bravely, but in pain, for the next 18 years. Helen turned to her Catholic religion for solace and support during those difficult years.

A brief viewing and a funeral mass will be held at Saint Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo Beach on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM with interment immediately following at 1:00 PM at Green Hills Memorial Park.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Helen's name to TorranceMemorialFoundation.org or to Saint Lawrence Martyr church at www.stlm.org.