Helen Battey Wilson

"Don't hurry, don't worry, and don't get tired" Helen Battey Wilson died peacefully in Palm Desert, Calif. on September 17, 2010. At 102 years of age she exemplified beauty, intelligence, strength and honor. Helen was born in Santa Ana, Calif. on July 5, 1908 to Marie and Edson Battey. In 1929, Helen, an art and education major, was one of the first female students at the UCLA campus in Westwood. Helen married Warren Wilson in 1931 and moved to Whittier, Calif. and in 1935 they began their family with the birth of Duke and in 1938, Rodney. In 1943, Warren and Helen moved the family to a ranch with an adobe home in Oasis, Calif. and in the 1950's relocated to Orange County. They were married for fifty years and enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, playing gin rummy, gathering with lifelong friends and spending time in the Coachella Valley. Helen was active in the Assistance League, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority Alumni Association and various charitable organizations. Helen loved flower arranging, playing bridge, reading good books, cooking, sewing, knitting and needlepoint. She was "Nana" to five grandchildren and "GG" to ten great-grandchildren and loved spending time with them. When Helen was told there was a great-grandchild on the way, she would begin knitting a sweater for the new baby. Helen was known for her English Toffee and delicious cookies. She always had a smile on her face, a kiss, a hug and a chocolate truffle. Surviving Helen is her son, Rodney (Antonia); daughter-in-law, Esther Wilson; grandchildren, Dawn (Gregory) Swajian, Mark (Diana) Wilson, Barry (Michele) Wilson, and Maryann Palmer; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Wilson (1983); son, Duke Wilson (1985); grandson, Rodney Wilson (1984); and sister, Frances Bathgate (1999). The family would like to thank her caregivers Theresa, Maria, Suzanne and Sal at Casa de Harkness and Visiting Nurses Association Hospice. Relatives and friends are invited to her memorial service on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 12:00 PM, Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana. Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries.