Helen Elaine Maddocks

Helen E. Maddocks passed away on February 5 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, strength, and gratitude. She was born on October 25, 1927 to Myrtle and Harold Meyer in Sebastopol, CA.

She attended Sebastopol Union School and graduated from Analy High School in 1946. During her childhood, Helen treasured days at Dillons Beach alongside her beloved cousin, Kenneth Roe. She enjoyed swimming in Tomales Bay and playing in the apple orchards at Meyer Ranch. Later, she married Lewis Maddocks, and together they raised their family on the Maddocks Ranch in Sebastopol.

In her years working at the scale house at Jewell Ranch, Helen developed strong ties to the agricultural community she cherished. Happiness to Helen was time spent with family, enjoying flowers in her yard, painting, listening to music, performing with the Sweet Adeline troop, and being a longtime member of Hessel Church and the Graton Community Club.

For most of her life, Helen lived with multiple sclerosis, a challenge she met with remarkable courage. Despite the physical limitations of her disease and the enduring hardships life threw her way, she never allowed hurdles to define her spirit, her independence, or her deep love for humanity. She faced each day with determination and an enduring sense of perspective, often reminding others that there were always people worse off than herself.

Helen is survived by her son, Robert (Kris) Maddocks, and her grandchildren: Jeffrey (Lindsay) Maddocks, Michael (Stefanie) Maddocks, Kristie (Jessie) MacEachern, and Billy (Holly) Maddocks, as well as seven great-grandchildren, whom she adored. She was predeceased by her daughter, Carol, and her son, Ray. Helen’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone who was touched by her positivity, generosity, and smile. In lieu of flowers, please support The Carol & Ray Maddocks Memorial Scholarship Fund, Analy High School, 6950 Analy Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472. All are welcome to attend a celebration of Helen’s life on Friday, March 6, at 1 pm at Hessel Church, 5060 Hessel Avenue, Sebastopol.