Helen Richardson

Helen Breckenridge Richardson, 99 (26 days shy of 100) passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. Helen was born in Pennsylvania, where she raised her family and received her nursing degree. During her years in Pennsylvania she became an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan always rooting for her team. Helen moved to Long Beach, California in the late 60's but enjoyed many visits back to Pennsylvania for large family gatherings and celebrations.

Helen especially enjoyed one visit back to celebrate for mother Lulu's 100th birthday. Helen and her husband Rich moved to Fresno in 1976 where she worked at the Veterans' Hospital until her retirement. She became a passionate Fresno State Bulldog football fan even traveling (Hawaii) on occasion to watch hem play. Never one to sit idle, and always ready for adventure, or an activity.

She spent many hours fishing alongside her husband Rich, and also enjoying their beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. She became an advanced quilter entering and earning many awards at The Big Fresno Fair. She bought a serger sewing machine and learned to sew beautiful designer quality business suits and even bathing suits for daughter Sherry Tayloe. Helen was a resident at the California Armenian Home for quite a few years, enjoying friendships and continuing to experience fun bus trips and the entertainment brought in for residents pleasure.

Helen could be seen daily traveling the grounds on her red scooter, visiting along the way and providing peanuts to the squirrel population on the beautiful properties. Among the many friends in her life, Sue and Robert Drewniak, and Sharon have been so especially loyal, and supportive deserving a special thank you from the family.

Helen is survived by her children Barbara Jenkins, Bobette Johnson, Robert Johnson and grandchildren Todd Allen Jenkins, Craig Edward Jenkins, Brent Elliot Fishel, Jeffrey Fishel, Tracy Johnson, and Sharon Johnson along with many great and great, great grandchildren, and nieces. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Walt (Rich) Richardson, mother Lulu Parker, Daughter Sherry Tayloe, brother Charles Parker, and grandson Kirk Robert Jenkins. Helen is also survived by her step daughter Sherry Haupt (Scott), Step son Rich Richardson (Nancy), grandchildren Brandy Haupt, Robin Lindberg (Dan), Molly Olguin and three great grandchildren.

Helen will have a private burial. A Celebration of Life will honor her at a later time.