Helen Sevadjian Bollen

Helen Sevadjian Bollen, nee Kirkland, 96, passed peacefully February 16, surrounded by her daughter, son and niece. She died on the 40th anniversary of the death of her beloved husband, Ed Sevadjian. The thought of them together, laughing, Manhattan in hand, brings some comfort in the midst of heartbreak.

Helen was a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, Texas. Even though she lived the last 13 years on her daughter's ranch in Palmer, you can never take the Fort Worth out of the girl. Helen was the ultimate storyteller, her Irish heritage giving her the ability to regale her audience with a story told a hundred times, with the same freshness and joy as if it was the first time. We hung on every word.

Helen worked for Royer and Schutts Commercial Interiors, retiring at age 81. She loved her job, particularly working with her client, JPS Hospital District. Her workmates became dear, forever friends.

Nothing was more important to Helen than family. She would tell everyone how grateful she was for her family, her loving parents, the closeness and deep love we all share to this day. Every night, her prayer was one of gratitude, for letting her live this long, to see the latest generation of her family.

Helen raised her children, Jim and Susie, with love, belief they could achieve anything, security, joy and mischief. Helen and her dear sister, Linda, both lived by the motto "silliness is underrated." Helen's home was not to be missed on Halloween, as the elaborate haunted house scared even her own kids. And we will always remember Friday night cup-towel popping contests and her whistle that could be heard throughout South Hills, signaling the time to get home.
Besides her family, Helen loved all creatures, wanting to save them all.

We will spend a lifetime remembering her.

Helen is survived by her daughter Susie Clark, her son Jim Johnson and his wife Gail Johnson; grandchildren Cody Clark and his wife Susan, Jay Johnson and his wife Cynthia, Courtney Johnson-Ramsey and her husband Matt Ramsey, Ashley Johnson-Reinhardt and her husband Andrew Reinhardt, great-grandchildren Riley Johnson, Reagan Johnson, Katherine Clark, Elizabeth Clark, Eleanor Reinhardt, Ruby Ramsey, and Jude Ramsey; nieces Toni Stuard, Patti Stuard-Smith and Lisa Stuard-Earle.

In lieu of flowers, should you want to make a donation in Helen's honor, she supported SPCA, National Audubon Society and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.