Helen Marie Gannon Thiel

March 11, 1922 - Oct. 10, 2010

Helen Marie Gannon Thiel, a lifelong resident of the Bay Area and pioneering woman in real estate business, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Oct. 10, in Vacaville, five years to the day after her husband died. She was 88.

Mrs. Thiel was born in San Francisco on March 11, 1922, the only child of an Irish immigrant father and native San Franciscan mother. She graduated from St. Joseph's Notre Dame High School in Alameda in 1940. She worked for many years as a switchboard operator in San Francisco in the 1940s before embarking on a career in real estate when few women were in the then-male-dominated industry.

Mrs. Thiel loved to gamble and she was frequently flown up to Harrah's as a guest of the casino.

She played bingo on Thursdays in Vacaville for many years, often playing upward of 12 sheets.

Mrs. Thiel is survived by her grandsons, Todd C. Thiel of Pleasanton and Timothy R. Thiel of San Diego; her son, Richard Thiel of Oakley; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Owens of Tracy; as well as her wonderful neighbors and friends on Fruitvale Road in Vacaville.

Howard Frederick Thiel, her husband and best friend of 60 years, who died on Oct. 10, 2005 at the age of 88, predeceased Mrs. Thiel.

At Mrs. Thiel's request, there will be no formal services. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

All arrangements entrusted to the care of Nadeau Family Funeral Home, 455-7700.