Helen Agatha Jolley

Helen Agatha (Jolley) Hoffard was born on October 20, 1927 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, Canada to Peter and Agatha Hoffard and passed away on February 4, 2016 at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Woodland Hills at the age of 88. She married Edward Cliffe Jolley on September 4, 1954 at Holy Cross Church in Norwood, Manitoba, Canada. Their son, Edward Bernard Jolley, was born on October 28, 1955. Due to a health issue he had, my parents left Canada for the United States on February 10, 1956. Ironically my brother would pass away exactly 55 years later on February 10, 2011. I came along 4 years after Eddie was born and we settled in the San Fernando Valley. Mom retired to stay home and lovingly care for my father until he drew his final breath on March 11, 1999. Mom was also with my brother at the end and I am forever grateful that she was there to comfort him.

Helen was a dancer and acrobat from a very young age. She performed with her sisters, Madge, Marie and Eva in a traveling show her dad had and at 16 she was doing USO tours and other performances. She loved to dance and all her life she would still dance, particularly in the kitchen while she was cooking. If I ever hear dancing in the kitchen late at night, I will know she has come to visit. At one point in her young life, she entered the convent to become a nun but health issues forced her to return home for treatment that resulted in her losing her hearing. Her health improved so she went to work and then got married. She never regretted leaving the convent and often said that her two children were by far her greatest achievements in life. She loved being a mom and was so good with Eddie and I. She always disciplined us with firmness and love. She guided us with so much love and patience. I do not ever remember her losing her patience with us. My dad always said that mom was a lady and that he was proud to take her anywhere and introduce her to everyone. My dad did not throw compliments around easily so this one was huge but it was true. Mom remained the same loving, friendly, compassionate person she always was. Her mind and wit were still sharp up until her final week. She made an impression on everyone she met. It doesn’t matter where I go, people greet me and the very next words out of their mouth are “how’s your mom?”

Helen is survived by her daughter, Pat who loved and cherished her beyond words. We had an amazingly loving relationship and had a lot of fun together. Mom was truly my best friend and confidant. We loved to drink mochas from Starbucks, gossip together and go out to eat. She was always so much fun and said so many really funny things. She loved God and her family; she cherished her friends Sherry and Don Panec and all those who visited her and prayed for her throughout her failing health especially Father Jerry and Monsignor Moran from Our Lady of Lourdes who always lifted her spirits. Abundant thanks go to her caregiver, Sandy as well as the staff at Kaiser Hospice and Palliative for taking care of her. Thanks also to my BFF Judy for always remembering her on special occasions with gifts and for loving her.

In her memory, please be kind to animals. Please be kind to each other. Speak up when you see injustice. Donate time or money to a worthy cause. Pray for an end to violence and war. Pray for all those who are suffering. Do what you can to help.