Juliet Olano Helsley

Juliet Olano Helsley was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Juliet will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Juliet was born on July 13, 1962 at Far Eastern University Hospital in Manila, Philippines. She was the daughter of Rufino and Carman Olano. Juliet grew up in San Juan, Manila, Philippines.

Juliet was raised with three siblings. She had two older brothers, Romeo and Jose, and an older sister, Cynthia. Juliet was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Juliet had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Juliet was an active child who took part in volleyball and cross country. She was a girl scout. In her spare time she liked working at the family record and shoe stores. To Juliet, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Juliet had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Dominican College in 1975. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite subject in high school was science. Juliet was in Honor Roll all of high school.

Juliet enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Juliet was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Bachelor of Science. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Her favorite courses were her science classes.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Juliet enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Joy Juangco and Janet Joczon. Later in life, she became friends with Merlie Riggs and Carmen.

On March 23, 1992 Juliet exchanged wedding vows with Ian Helsley in Las Vegas, Nevada and also renewed vows on January 1, 2000 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Empathic and loyal, Juliet was committed to making her new family happy.

Juliet worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Juliet was blessed with three children, three sons, Steven, Christopher, and Justin(from oldest to youngest).

Fortunately, Juliet enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Juliet worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was a clinical lab scientist at City of Hope, where she met her husband in 1991. She was employed for at least 10 years at Stanford. Juliet always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Juliet enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuit was cooking, and she also loved shopping and then returning. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Juliet was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for the Women and Children's Shelter.

Juliet’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Juliet enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Disneyland, and Disney World.

Juliet was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Toby, a yorkie. They were best friends for 2 years. Her family was rounded out by her poodle, Cristy.

Juliet passed away on March 10, 2013 at home in San Jose, California. Juliet fought a brave battle against colon cancer for three years. She is survived by her children Steven, Christopher, and Justin, and her brother Romy. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Juliet was laid to rest at home with her family.

Simply stated, Juliet was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Juliet leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Juliet Olano Helsley.