Long-time Hanford resident, Helen Noland, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday August 29, 2023 at the age of 98. Helen was born on August 14, 1925, in Selma, California to parents Neshan and Rose Goorigian (Helen was very proud of her Armenian heritage). She spent much of her childhood working alongside her parents and siblings (Milton, Dorothy, and Alene) in orchards, vineyards and fruit packing houses in the Reedley and Dinuba area.
Helen graduated from Reedley High School then moved to Hanford where she resided for more than 70 years, sharing her life with her late husband Raymond and their two sons Michael and William. After many years as a homemaker, Helen returned to her previous clerical work, spending time in the office of Hanford Joint Union High School and then taking over medical assistant and office manager duties for Dr. James Dean for close to 30 years.
Over the years, Helen was active in the Hanford First United Methodist Church and the First Christian Reformed Church, the Hanford Medical Assistants Association, and other civic clubs. Helen cherished her time with family and friends and especially treasured time spent with her eight grandchildren, who affectionately called her G’ma, and her seven great grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her son Michael (Claire) Noland, their children Lauren (Jared) Hajik, Christina (Paul) Beeghly, Gregory Noland and Roxanne Noland. She is also survived by her son William (Janice) Noland, their children Jared (Helen) Noland, Joshua Noland, Jacob (Jill) Noland, Whitney (Peter) de Jong, and great-grandchildren.
Kensley, Pearce, and Chloe de Jong, Thomas and Evelyn Beeghly, Rose Noland, and Alice Hajik.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hanford Christian School in Hanford and Central Valley Christian School in Visalia. The family will hold a private graveside service. A celebration of Helen's life will be held on October 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Hanford.
