Helen Brynolf

Helen Brynolf, 105 years old, passed away peacefully in Concord, CA on July 9, 2016. She was truly inspirational, always maintaining a positive attitude, an appreciation for life and a love of family. She was considered "amazing" by all as she was vibrant, mobile and mentally alert for 100 plus years. Helen was born in Kaiserslautern, Germany Oct. 3, 1910, and, being adventuresome, emigrated to America at age 17. She joined her sister Emma in Baltimore where they lived and worked until traveling to CA. She met her future husband John in San Francisco and was married at age 23 for 13 years. She proudly became an American citizen at age 25. John, Helen and daughter Ruth moved to San Bruno, CA in 1940 where Helen lived until moving to San Ramon, CA in 1997. At age 33 she joined Kraft Foods Company, retiring as a department head at age 61. She loved her job. Following retirement, she founded the Kraft Retirees Club, organizing luncheons for 36 years. She also enjoyed volunteering in the Peninsula Hospital gift shop until moving to San Ramon. Helen lived a full and active life. As a young woman she loved to play tennis. She spent many happy summers boating, swimming and water-skiing with her family until age 79. She loved golfing, traveling, sewing, the theater, opera and reading. She especially loved watching her grandchildren, great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren grow and develop and, in later years, watching her great-granddaughters dance.

A five generation family, Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Heinrich & Christina Simon & her five siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Vanover; her grandchildren, John Vanover (Joanne) and Darilyn Owen (Doug); her great-grandchildren, John Vanover (Manuella), Janelle Avalos (Sal), Jennifer and Kelsey Owen; her great-great-grandchildren, Ava and Nicky Avalos, Anthony, Sophia and Jacob Vanover.

A private Memorial Service was held July 16, 2016. Inurnment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Colma, CA. Date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's name can be made to Boystown and Concord Meals on Wheels.

Those we love are never really lost to us, for we keep them cherished in our hearts and memories that endure forever. We love her and miss her very much.