Helen Marie Zgraggen

Born on April 16, 1934, in San Luis Obispo, California, Helen was raised in San Francisco. She attended Star of the Sea Catholic High School, where she met a young man from Sacred Heart Catholic High School who lived on the other side of Golden Gate Park. What began as a teenage romance — with the park serving as the path between their neighborhoods — became a love story that would span nearly seven decades. Through every chapter, Helen’s constant role was clear: she was the heart of the home and the foundation beneath generations.

Helen married Paul William Zgraggen on April 17, 1952, at the Mission in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Their marriage endured for almost 69 years, until Paul’s passing in 2021. Together they built a life marked by faith, resilience, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family. A high school romance that crossed Golden Gate Park became a marriage that crossed the country and the globe.

Over the years, Helen embraced every chapter of life with strength and grace as she and Paul moved across the country — living in various communities throughout the Bay Area, as well as Chico, California; Birmingham, Alabama; West Des Moines, Iowa; Okemos, Michigan; Denville, New Jersey; Danville, Auburn, and finally Roseville, California. Wherever they lived, Helen made a house a home. New schools, new churches, new neighbors — Helen steadied it all. If Paul opened doors in new regions for United Parcel Service, Helen built the foundation that allowed their family to thrive wherever they landed. Helen was the steady center of her family. Where others saw relocation, she saw opportunity. Where there was uncertainty, she provided stability. Her strength was quiet but unmistakable. She was present for the milestones, steadfast during the challenges, and fiercely devoted to those she loved. An avid home cook, master of humorous quick wit, and expert collector of antiques, her talents were enjoyed by all who were graced by her presence!

Later in life, she and Paul traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, visiting Canada, Mexico, many countries in Europe and Africa, and Australia. They loved seeing the world together. Yet no destination ever meant more to Helen than wherever her children and grandchildren were gathered. No matter how far she traveled, she always returned to what mattered most — family. Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, her older brother, Charles, who was killed in the Korean War, and her son-in-law, Timothy Heath. An extraordinary woman, she will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and lovingly carried forward by the family she nurtured and the life she helped build. Helen is survived by her five children and their spouses: Michael & Karen Zgraggen, Kenneth & Deborah Zgraggen, Cynthia Heath, Timothy Zgraggen & Ashley Hathaway, Scott Zgraggen & Marty Eastlack. She will also be missed by her six

grandchildren and spouses: Todd & Ashley Heath, Sarah & Michael Saenz, Kyle & Meg Zgraggen, Courtney Zgraggen & Andrea Clodfelter, Nicholas Zgraggen, and Derek & Kailyn Zgraggen.

Along with her children she is survived by her siblings John Freeman, Beverly Cassidy, and Bill Freeman, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, whose five children — along with their children and grandchildren — remain part of the extended family she cherished. Her legacy continues through her five great-grandchildren: Dominic, Delany, & Dylan Saenz; and Brooke & Annabelle Zgraggen.

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and lovingly carried forward by the family she nurtured and the life she helped build. A memorial will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Clare’s Catholic Church in Roseville, California. Family and friends are welcomed. In keeping with Helen and Paul’s lifelong generosity, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in her memory in lieu of flowers.