Helen Haines Clifford

Helen Haines Clifford passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010, in Shell Beach. Born in Manitowoc, Wis., in 1919, Helen became a Californian when her family moved to a warmer, drier climate to help her father recover from influenza. Her family settled in El Modena, Calif., (Orange County) and later moved several miles up the road to a cabin her father built in Modjeska Canyon. Helen married her high school sweetheart, Bob, in 1939 and they raised their family in Covina and San Dimas, Calif. Their lives were enriched by camping together, weeks in Newport Beach, boat adventures, pack trips to the Sierras and the infamous fifties era road trips. In addition to being a full-time mom, Helen was a constant volunteer. She worked with various groups at the Presbyterian Church, PTA, Girl Scouts and foreign exchange students with the AFS (American Field Service) program. Shortly after Bob''s death in 1976, Helen (aka Gram) moved north to her beloved house in Shell Beach. With the next 34 years, she became an accomplished sculptor, volunteered with community organizations, traveled, walked with friends, transformed her backyard into a veritable jungle and developed an everlasting bond with her grandchildren. She was a matriarch in the true sense of the word. Devoted to her family, she nonetheless befriended countless individuals whose lives were forever touched by her selflessness, optimism, grace and absolute belief in the goodness of love. Helen is survived by her children Gerry Clifford (Mary), Sue Clifford Davis (Ben) and Kathy Clifford Schultz (Brad); precious grandchildren David, Michael, Brian, Greg, Wendy, Tyler, Kristen, Robbie, Elisa and Tara; many great-grandchildren; and her constant canine companion, Butter, aka Shelby. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Robert Clifford. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at S. Palisades Park in Shell Beach. In case of rain, the gathering will take place at the Community Presbyterian Church in Pismo Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Community Presbyterian Church in Shell Beach or Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.