Helen Pontoni

She was born April 10, 1921, the fifth of seven children to Manuel and Mary Olivieira. She very much enjoyed living in Arcata all her life. Helen graduated from Arcata High School in 1939 where she was active in sports; basketball being her favorite. In 1941 she married Martin Pontoni and they had three children: Beverly, Linda and Ron. As with many women of her generation her family and home took top priority.

In the late fifties, when the children were older, Helen began working at Trinity Hospital in Arcata and continued her employment at Mad River Hospital in the dietary department until 1985. She made many new friends during those working years. She was an active, energetic lady who loved working in her yard as well as watching sports on television. She was a life-long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Even after her 90th birthday she attended great-grandchildren's sporting events and graduations.

Helen was preceded in death by Martin, her husband of 67 years; her parents Manuel and Mary Oliveira; brothers: Joseph, Manuel, Antone, Edwin; and sister Emily Machado.

She is survived by her children: Beverly Sholes and husband Bob, Linda Roberts and husband Jim, and Ron Pontoni and wife Michelle; grandchildren: Debbie Frazier and husband Darren, Julie Sholes, Kristy Agliolo and husband Eric, Kevin Roberts, Scott and Karen Pontoni; great-grandchildren: Weston and Juston Frazier, Morgan Ratzlaff, Charis and Vincent Agliolo; sister Irene Andersen and husband Gale; sisters-in-law Virginia Oliveira and Betty Oliveira; cousin Mel Amaro; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Mad River Adult Day Facility for their fine program; and additionally to her wonderful caregivers Julie Sholes, Eleanor Smithers and Pixie Moreno. And, of course, many thanks to Hospice of Humboldt (Nurse Scotty who she saw most often, Francine for her loving care and Raquel for helping us cope). Also thank you to fellow family members who consistently gave their time and love allowing Helen to stay in her home until the end.

A visitation will be held at Paul's Chapel at 1070 H Street, Arcata, California on Sunday August 18th, 4 to 7 P.M. The rosary will begin at 7 P.M. Funeral mass is scheduled on Monday, August 19th at 10 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Arcata, California.

For those wishing, memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt or the American Cancer Association.

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