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BORN
1948
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Helene Lavelle Obituary
November 14, 1948 - March 21, 2017
Helene Lavelle of San Jose passed away on March 21, 2017 after a short but intense battle with leukemia. Beloved wife of Tim Lavelle. Devoted mother of Brian (Becky), Ceci Conley (John), and Brendan (Cat). Loving Omi of Caitlin, Evan, Mairéad, Ronan, Nicholas and Evelyn. Dear sister of Dennis, and cherished friend of so many.Daughter of the late Ken and Cecilia Deehan, Helene was a native San Franciscan. She graduated from St. Brendan's School and St. Rose Academy in The City, and from Cal Berkeley in 1970. She then went on to earn her Teaching Credential at UC's School of Education.
She married her high school sweetheart Tim after his graduation from West Point and the couple lived in Germany from 1971-75, where Tim was stationed with the U.S. Army, where Helene taught in the local American school, and where their eldest son Brian was born.
The young family then lived in Scotland, where Helene taught in a U.S. Navy dependent school, then on to Phoenix before settling in San Jose in 1978.
Helene's 30-year sales career in the printed circuit board industry began shortly after her third child was born. In those early years, she was one of only a few women in this male-dominated business. She and some of her other female industry pioneers adopted the nickname "circuit broads." She had an uncanny knack of establishing a comfortable rapport with her customers and quickly converting them into friends.
In addition to managing the upbringing of her family and her successful profession, Helene made time to serve on the Boards of the San Jose Cleveland Ballet and Presentation High School. She also served on the Historic Landmarks Commission of San Jose.
Helene was a woman of deep faith who was proud of her Irish Catholic heritage. She was a fun-loving and adventurous woman with boundless energy and an infectious smile who made everyone she met feel good about themselves. She leaves behind countless loyal friends.
Visitation Friday March 31st after 5pm (Rosary at 6pm) at the Leontyne Chapel, Bellarmine College Prep, 960 West Hedding Street, San Jose. Funeral Mass will be Saturday April 1st at 11am at St. Martin of Tours Church, 200 O'Connor Drive, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helene's honor to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training, Red Cloud Indian School, the Sisters of the Holy Names, Presentation High School, Jenny's Light, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helene Lavelle
Sponsored by Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary.
Phyllis Proscia
January 11, 2024
Tim, I am so sorry for you and your family´s loss. I remember our days at Ampro, and how much you talked about your family, so obvious your love for them. One day, Helene walked in to see you, both your faces lit up, and she was not only beautiful but a professional woman, a person of confidence. When she left that day, you said "see you later this evening at the gym". Again, so very sorry.
Ron Zeppa
April 30, 2017
Dear Tim,
I am very sorry to hear of your Wife Helene's passing. Take comfort knowing that she is in the Lord's loving arms in Heaven. You will be together again soon enough. I wish the very best for you and your Family during this difficult time!
God Bless You, Ron Zeppa
Vincent Choi
April 4, 2017
I will always miss Helene's smile, brightness and kindness. May God bless her and her family.
April 3, 2017
Betsy and I are very sad to hear about the loss of Helen. She was a great wife, mom, grandmother and friend all those she came into contact with. we met at many of the Tri-California Triathlons and her gigantic smile was always great to see. Tim, Brian, Becky, Helen and the rest of the family were at many of the events over the years. She will be greatly missed. May God comfort all those that are still here on this earth and miss Helen so much. I pray her life here on earth gave Glory to God and that her legacy will bring more people to the knowledge of God and Jesus and make a decision to join Helen in Heaven.
God Bless
Terry and Betsy Davis
Tri-California Events, Inc.
Ben Robinson
April 3, 2017
I am very saddened to hear of Helene's passing. I only worked with Helene briefly from 2001 - 2003. She was a pleasure to be around, a very intelligent and thoughtful person with a great sense of humor. She was the kind of professional anyone would want to work with. I'm glad I had the opportunity to know her. I know she will be missed very much. My condolences to the family and friends.
Adriana Ippati-Torrens
April 2, 2017
I sent a message 2days ago, but I do not know if it was posted
Adriana
Bob and Sandy Gibbs
April 1, 2017
Bob and I are mourning Helene today as we think of everyone gathered in her memory. She was such a wonderful person. We will deeply miss her.
Adriana Ippati-Torrens
March 31, 2017
Brian and Becky
I did not know Hélène very well, but the few times I met her she brightened my day
Saddened
Adriana and Ian Torrens
Cindy Morphy
March 30, 2017
Tim and family,
We are so sorry; Helene was always the life of the porch and the beach in Pinecrest. We will miss her laugh and wonderful stories. The mountains and pine trees will mourn her loss. We love you all!
Cindy and Mark
March 30, 2017
Im am sorry to hear about Helene's passing. The whole family supported and cared for Helene while she was on Fground. Thank you for the stories shared. Megan the nurse
March 29, 2017
Tim and Family
I am so sorry for the loss. Helene was a wonderful friend. We had so many laughs together. I will miss her terribly.
Kaye Aghassi
March 29, 2017
Tim,
I was so shocked and saddened to read of Helene's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Candy Kane Quinn
Monica Damron
March 28, 2017
So sorry to hear this. Helene was a wonderful kind person and will be missed.
Jackie Boberg
March 27, 2017
I am completed stunned and shaken by Helene's death. It is almost impossible to imagine she is not with us. She was larger than life and always filled the conversation with laughter.
We send our condolences to Tim and the family. It is unfathomable to imagine the pain of the loss.
At our 50th St. Rose Class Reunion (back row in pink)
March 27, 2017
Paulette Beemiller
March 27, 2017
Dear Tim and family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Helene's passing.
She had a light and zest for living that she shared with everyone she met. She was warm and endearing and had that knack of talking to you like you were the only person in the room. Please know a light that bright and powerful will live on in every smile, every laugh and every moment Helene shared with each of us. Our sincere condolences to you and all who loved her.
Paulette & Gerry Beemiller
Chris Sims
March 26, 2017
Dear Tim and Family,
I am Helene's first cousin, Chris. I had not spoken to Helene since the passing of her Father. Please accept my deep condolences on your loss! She was a very special person. My grandmother was Margaret Deehan King.. My mother was Marie Veronica King Sims.
With Sympathy.
Chris Sims
Mike Martin
March 26, 2017
Tim and Family, I am so sorry to read this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
beck kidd
March 26, 2017
Though it has been years since I had seen Helene, she will always remain in my heart as one of the most beautiful humans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My heart breaks for her family that she cherished so much!
Patty Ortega
March 26, 2017
Dear Tim and Family,
I am a long time friend of Alanna. She always spoke so fondly of you and Helene. I am very sorry for your loss, and hope that your loving memories of Helene will bring you and your family comfort.
Sandi and Dick Conniff
March 26, 2017
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Helene's passing.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Tim and family.
Though our paths did not cross as often the past few years, it was always a delight to see you both and catch up on our lives.
May the memories and knowledge that caring friends are close bring you comfort and peace.
Steve and Kate Morey
March 25, 2017
Dear Tim and Family
Steve and I were so sad and sorry to hear about Helene.
One of my favorite memories was watching her swim across Pinecrest Lake or at least paddle alongside you while you swam. And of course, she was always up for joining us for a clinky drink on the deck in the evening. She was such a joy to be around. She will be so missed.
xoxo Kate and Steve
Pat Thornton
March 25, 2017
Tim,
Our sincere condolences, prayers and thoughts to you and your family. God bless.
Pat and Mary Thornton
March 25, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss Tim.. Helene was a magical person who left an impact on all who knew her.. Such a wonderful lady.. Dennis and Angela Farmer
March 25, 2017
Tim, so sorry for your loss. Best wishes. Steve
Frank Monaco
March 25, 2017
Sincere condolences Tim from your classmates, USMA 1970. May Helene Rest In Peace.
John Gebhardt
March 25, 2017
I was a colleague of Helene's at Merix, and remember her as a smart, genuine, extremely competent, warm person. Truly a class act. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, and it's hard to find the right words, but my thoughts are with her family.
LeAnn Marchewka
March 24, 2017
We have known Helene, Tim and the kids for over 30 years and there was never a time she didn't have a smile on her face and a big hug for us. What a loss to everyone who knew and loved her. Rest In Peace, dear friend. God certainly has a fantastic angel in his ranks now.
Joe and Leslie Patti
March 24, 2017
We were so shocked and saddened to hear the news of Helene's passing. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of her family members. Sincerely, Joe and Leslie Patti
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Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
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