Helen Nickolson

1950 - 2024

Born April 15, 1950, in Kato Kourouni, Evia, Greece, Eleni Nicolaou (Helen Nickolson) was a beloved wife of 41 years to Larry Michel, mother to Katherine Michel, mother-in-law to Cody Jones, and yiayia (grandmother) to Eleni and Camden Jones. She unexpectedly passed away on August 15, 2024. We will miss her immeasurably.

Helen immigrated to Lodi, CA, with her family at five years old, often sharing that she grabbed one special item on her way out of her village: an oleander. This young love of flowers will surprise no one who has been to her home; today, her bountiful yard blossoms.

Helen earned a B.A. in English from UC Davis, a M.S. in Counseling Psychology from CSU Sacramento, and a M.A. in English from CSU Sacramento. She served students as a counselor, professor, and faculty leader at Yuba College for 30 years -- meeting and marrying Larry early in her tenure.

After retirement, she and Larry traveled extensively, gardened profusely, and spent nightly cocktail hours together in their gazebo. Helen volunteered with the Philoptochos ("friend of the poor") organization at the Greek church in Sacramento and often beautified the church with her gorgeous flower arrangements, one of her favorite hobbies. She also wrote a novel, No Forgiveness, and a children's book, Great Grandma's Shed: Marcum Road Follies. Eleni and Camden will cherish the stories of Old Red for years to come.

Helen held a deep love for her home country of Greece, which was especially apparent when she gracefully danced the zeibekiko; hummed along to Dalaras and Kazantzidis; artfully made baklava, kourambiedes, and melomakarona; and proudly called herself an Eviotissa (a woman from Evia). She loved spending months in Greece, speaking her native tongue, and cooking Greek food -- no one will ever perfect Greek chicken and potatoes the way Helen did.

Helen was fun, joyful, kind, and generous. She was the ultimate hostess.

Helen was smart, hardworking, energetic, and creative. She offered sage advice.

Perhaps most importantly, Helen prioritized her family over all else. The best playmate and storyteller, her love for Katherine, Eleni, and Camden was incomparable. She was made to be a mom and a yiayia. We only wish there had been more time.

In true Helen style, we will hold a party on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 4:30 pm at 1515 Marcum Road in Nicolaus. Please join us in non-black attire to eat, drink, and dance in her honor, all while gazing at her glorious garden.

May her memory be eternal.

Please send any remembrances to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 600 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816.