Helen Irene was born to Hazel and Ralph Williamson on April 26, 1931 in Fresno, California. As a young girl, she excelled in school and learned to play the piano. She attended Sanger High School and was involved in many honor societies, the school newspaper and yearbook. She remained active in coordinating high school reunions for decades. She attended Fresno State, intending to become a teacher.
As fate would have it, on December 25, 1949, a girlfriend invited her to go on a double-date, promising Helen that the other boy was very nice. The two couples went down Christmas Tree Lane that night and Helen soon realized she had met her soulmate. The tradition of driving down Christmas Tree Lane every Christmas night continued each year until 2021, except when it was canceled due to war.
Helen and Henry “Hank” Malicoat were married January 13, 1951 in Reno, Nevada. Hank’s brother, Bob, was their witness. It is impossible to talk about one without the other, they had an incredibly strong love and bond. Their family would grow to include Harry Christopher and Jeffrey Lawrence. As is typical of many families, they were busy with a variety of activities, including Little League (Hank was President for a few years and Helen hosted the end-of-year barbeques) and later, their bowling league, amongst other activities.
Helen and Hank loved people and nothing made them happier than seeing a smile on the face of a child. Helen sold Avon for about 17 years, a job she enjoyed immensely as it led her to many life-long friendships. Helen and Hank also sold their own jewelry and artwork mirrors, at craft fairs near and far. They enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. Later, they became professional clowns, “Bubby and Bubbette” selling balloon animals and yo-yo balloons. They had a love of life and spread joy wherever they were.
Some of Helen’s most important life lessons, in her own words:
Always have a smile on your face. This makes other people happy too.
Be true, loyal, loving and dependable. Always be available for your children and grandchildren and, of course, your spouse.
Honesty is one of the most important things in life.
I like hugs. Always be available to give and receive hugs.
Helen and Hank leave behind a legacy of unconditional love, a joy for life, a hard work ethic and a reminder to always count your blessings. They were never shy to tell you they loved you. And whenever you would leave, Helen would wish you “Be safe, be well.”
Over the years, Hank and Helen received wonderful care and companionship from too many friends and providers to mention, making special friendships along the way. In particular, Philip Bautista, Rida Taylor, Chantelle Robertson, Claire Aguilar and Tracy Graves were there to make Helen’s final years as good as possible.
Helen is survived by her son, Jeffrey Lawrence, daughter-in-law, Leila Malicoat, eight grandchildren: Sheri (Allen) Marple, Eric (Mellissa) Richardson, Eric “Ric” (Debbie) Malicoat, Michael (Patina) Malicoat, Jeremy (Kathryn) Malicoat, Morgan Malicoat, Daniel Knox, and Matthew Haines. Also, five great-grandchildren: Cameron Marple, Julianna Richardson, Reed Richardson, Julian Knox and Mariah Knox. She was preceded in death by her son Harry Christopher, and husband, Henry Cloud.
She will be laid to rest with the love of her life, Hank Malicoat, on July 22, 2022 at Fresno Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lislefuneralhome.com for the Malicoat family.
