My brother Frank (Warzeski) and Helen spoken the phone several times per month until his death in 2012.  I tried to take up the slack, but wasn't very good at it.  Now that I'm finally retired, I tried to check back in and found her obituary.  Her 2-volume genealogy opus on our Spanish and Irish ancestors is a treasure.  I was able to share with her (in the late 1990's) recordings of her aunts Gertie and Edna (my grandmother), which I made before Gertie's death (at 99) in 1981, as they told stories from the Rancho days, .  Her take on Granny & Gertie's recollections were great fun.  I'm sorry I was never able to meet her other than as a child.  I am sorry I won't be able to talk about our family.  I will miss her.

I miss you very much. Love you always.
- HBC

Helen shared many of her researched ancestors with me as members of Los Californianos. Such an interesting lady. She will be missed.

My condolences to the entire family of Helen Collins, and especially to TC as he grieves for his mother and the end of his family life in California. I only met Helen a few times at family functions in Colorado but was always impressed with her spirit and love of family. My hope is that both those qualities are kept alive in TC and granddaughter Shannon!

My mother Patricia O'Toole Bond is in a care facility, but she had some fond memories of Helen at Mission. The two were in the same class at Mission and I heard stories of Nuns and on San Luis Mountain near the lemon grove. Sad times as we loose this generation.

My and my familie's condolences to the last of Granny's siblings

My sincere condolences to the Collins family. This afternoon I was at the H/I House in Santa Clara where Helen attended Los Fundadores meetings--it was sad being there without her. Helen shared family history with everyone and for that I am grateful. May she Rest In Peace. Lots of Love to her family. Lorri Ruiz Frain

So sorry to hear about Helen.  She was a distant cousin and we enjoyed attending many Los Californianos events.  She will be missed.
Lucille Corcel

My deepest condolence to the Collins family.  Helen & I were members of 11 women who met monthly for lunch.  She impressed me because she was so knowlegeable about everything.  We shared the love of antiques and history.  

                                                                                         Mari Nomura (San Jose)

From Ireland ,my condolences to the family on the passing of Helen. I never met her  but I enjoyed reading her genealogy  compilation  on the Collins family .Helens husband Tom was my first cousin .May sheerest in peace

Deepest sympathy to the family of Helen Collins from all in Ireland.

It's a dreadful loss that Helen has gone, except I know she'll have a victory crown. She bore her recent burdens and pains uncomplaining. Helen was my local history mentor and "go to" source for genealogies of the early Spanish-Mexican and Californios families. She wrote many great articles for the newsletter of Los Fundadores. Helen had great generosity to family, friends, and humanity. She will often come to mind. Rest in Peace. My sincere sympathy to her family. Tim Abney.

My sympathy to the family of Helen Collins.  I knew her for many years through her work in family genealogy.  She proved to me one time that we were very distantly related I believe through a Galindo or Juarez common ancestor.  She had such a wonderful spirit.  She just sparkled as we sat together looking through her photographs and family history before a meeting of Los Californios one time in Monterey.  She was able to talk at length about every person and knew all their lineage - it was very exciting for a genealogy buff!  She will be greatly missed.  Much love to her family.

Our condolences on Helen's passing. May she rest in eternal peace.

I remember Helen from Mission School.  She was Lois Jensen's aunt.  Ruth was her sister and Helen lived with the Jensens.    (Ruth was Lois' mom).I remember her and Tom Collins as a couple way back in high school.  She was a pretty girl and this picture of her in the big hat is how I remember her.  Lois was in my class (died a couple of years ago).    I had not realized that Helen was born in San Luis Obispo?  May she rest in peace.  Condolences to her survivors.   Judy Quartilho Preuss

My deepest sympathy to the family of Helen Collins.  I had the pleasure or working with Helen at the Santa Clara County Public Health Department California Children Services for many years.  I remember how she spoke of her family fondly.  I regret not keeping in touch since we retired.  Helen was a wonderful gracious lady who will be greatly missed.  Please take care and I will be sure to send a donation to Hope Services to whom she was quite devoted to.  Again my deepest sympathy.

OBITUARY

Helen Collins

November 14, 1927 – June 12, 2015

Reichert's Funeral & Cremation Services

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