Lasting Memories

Helen Ryan Martin
Dec. 1, 1936-Aug. 14, 2020
Pleasanton, California

Helen Therese Martin, a longtime resident of Pleasanton, CA, went to be with the Lord on August 14th, 2020.

Born the fifth of six children to Lawrence & Gertrude Ryan, Helen entered the world in her family’s farmhouse in Emery, South Dakota on December 1, 1936. Helen’s Family moved to Northern California when she was 12 years old and they settled in Redwood City. She adjusted to her new surroundings, made many friends and proudly attended Mercy Catholic High School in Burlingame.

At the age of 20, she met and married her husband, Richard Martin. Together they raised their four children, established careers and were active members of St. Augustine’s Catholic Parish after moving to Pleasanton in 1970.

Helen worked for nearly 20 years as an Executive Secretary at the Farmers Insurance Regional Office in Pleasanton. She often reflected on the many fond memories and dear friends she met there.

Helen was a deeply committed wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her deep faith in God was ever present to all who knew her and provided her with the wisdom and strength to help others. Besides spending time with her friends and family, her interests included home staging, thrift shopping and entertaining in her home. She especially enjoyed celebrating and decorating for the Christmas Season.

Helen is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard, son Patrick (Sheila), daughter Leslie (Tim), son Rich (Natalie) and daughter Kathleen (Todd). In addition to her four children, Helen was blessed to have 13 grandchildren and soon to be 9 great grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to attend their baptisms, first communions, sporting events, birthdays, confirmations, school plays, graduations, weddings or any other events that included her grandchildren.