Helen Radoycich

Helen Radoycich was born July 20, 1931 in Poretsch, Croatia, formerly Yugoslavia, to her German parents, Andreas and Maria. Helen being the youngest of five children was surrounded by her brother, Micheal, and sisters, Luise, Theresia and Anna. Raised on the farm by loving parents, siblings and an extended large family of aunts and uncles was truly a great blessing in her early life. However, this beautiful life did not last for long. During the second world war in 1944, the whole family was forced to leave their home and land within a couple of days. All the material goods that were dear and sentimental to the family were left behind. in that terrible turmoil and drama her family got separated, but thanks to the Red Cross and the leading of God's grace they were again re-united in Austria.

At the early age of 14, Helen was forced to take care of herself and tried to get an education. Blessed and supported by good people, Helen slowly worked her way towards her goal. In 1951, Helen entered the Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen School, Bogenhofen, Austria, to enroll in the Business courses. During the school year, Helen was baptized and accepted into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In 1953, Helen attended Seminar Collanges Sous-A-Lev, France, to learn French in hopes of working for a Consulate, airline or travel bureau. However, the Lord had a different plan and in 1956, Helen met Steve, with a similar background and they married on May 22, 1960, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Their daughter, Grace was born on February 20, 1961. Helen was invited to work as the Secretary of the School of Nursing for North York Branson Hospital in Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. During this period their second child, Diana, was born on March 11, 1965.

In The summer of 1972, the family moved to Loma Linda, California. Helen started to work for Loma Linda University School of Public Health as a Departmental Secretary in Health Administration. After 10 years of service, Helen transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center Administration. There she worked as an Administrative Assistant, until her retirement in 1996.

Helen loved people. She showed her love by keeping a clean house to which she and her husband invited guests to homemade meals. She was known for her delicious and healthy cooking. Some of her family's favorite dishes were recipes that she created.

She was inquisitive by nature which inspired her desire to travel around the world, this included Russia, Europe, Israel, Australia, England, Scandinavia and Hawaii to mention a few.

She was always willing to learn new things, which lead her to change her religion, country and language. She was known as the "lady with the accent." She could speak Yugoslavian, German, English and French.

Jesus was always special to her and she showed her love for Him by serving in various positions in the church such as Church Clerk, Deaconess, Children's Sabbath School Teacher, Mother's Room Coordinator, Church Board Member, Sabbath School Assistant Treasurer and Church Fellowship member who helped to feed the visitors. Helen drew her strength from God, family and friends. Helen was a great wife, mother and friend. Helen is survived by her children, Grace and Diana and her son-in-law, Michael Neuendorff.