Helen Mary Paslaqua

Helen Mary was born in the town of Toowoomba, just outside of Brisbane, in the state of Queensland, Australia. She arrived on August 21, 1915, and was the cherished blessing of David Galbraith and Gertrude May Adams. Her parents moved to the USA with a business opportunity while she was very young; they settled in the Portland, OR area, but within a short period of time, they moved to CA. Helen grew up in the San Jose area and went to Notre Dame Schools throughout her school years, until she enrolled in San Jose State University. She was introduced to a very handsome young man, Kenneth Russell Paslaqua and they soon became a couple. Russell was a student at University of Santa Clara, and they enjoyed the social activities with many other young couples. Helen and Russ were married on July 13, 1936 and created a special relationship that lasted for 67 year. Russell passed away on December 2, 2003.

Helen and Russ had four children, one who passed away soon after birth. Linda Helen was their first born and was their pride and joy. She is married to Daniel Hamill, and is the mother of two, Jeannie Carnighan and Robert Pierce (Linda). Jeannie presented four great grandchildren to Helen: Jason D. Wynn (Catherine), Jonathan R. Wynn, Joseph I. Wynn, and Joshua K. Carnighan. Jeannie also gave Helen two great, great grandchildren: Jason Doyle Wynn and America Danielle Wynn. Nancy Trotter is Helen’s second daughter and she was married to Donald Trotter (now deceased). Nancy gave her Mom two more grandchildren, Kelly Trotter King (John King) and Jeffrey D.F. Trotter. Grayson King is the newest great grandchild presented to Helen 16 months before she passed. Helen’s fourth child, Kenneth Robert Paslaqua was a true joy for Helen and Russ. Ken married Nancy Laird Paslaqua and they have two fine sons, John Russell Paslaqua and Robert David Paslaqua. Helen and Russ were blessed by the expansion of their beautiful family.

After living for many years on the San Francisco Peninsula while Russell worked in San Francisco, the family then moved to Arcadia in Southern California. Helen and Russ made many wonderful friends there and many of the Arcadia neighbors became friends for life. The next move took them to Dana Point, CA where they easily adapted to retirement, the ocean, beautiful weather and the soft ocean breezes. Helen actually lived in her Niguel Shores home for almost 42 years, having moved there in October of 1973.

Helen and Russ loved their Niguel Shores friends and they worked together to insure the growth of their beautiful new community. Both participated in a variety of ways from being active on boards, to supporting community development and causes, to enjoying book clubs, church activities at St. Edward the Confessor, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and general beach living. Helen and Russ loved their chosen way of life in Dana Point; they felt greatly blessed!

Helen and Russel traveled to many wonderful areas in the world; they both had a sense of adventure and also wanted to explore the homes of their ancestors. They shared this love of travel with their children and with many of their close friends.

Helen’s great love passed away in December of 2003 at the age of 98. She remained in her Dana Point home until she passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015. Helen celebrated her 100th birthday in August of this year with most of her immediate family surrounding her. Her exceptional caregivers, Zipi Nahum and Augustin Dela Cruz helped to make her last few years of life both memorable and exciting. Thank you both!

We look forward to celebrating Helen Mary Paslaqua’s life with all of you…Cheers to Helen’s 100 Years!