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Helen Bell "Nana" Gordon

Helen Gordon Obituary

Helen Bell "Nana" Gordon Aug. 24, 1919 - Feb. 20, 2006, passed away peacefully at Seton Medical Center with family and friends at her bedside. Loving wife for 66 years to the late Charles Gordon, Jr; daughter of the late Louis and Ida Hillstock. Devoted mother to Bill, Lou (Teri), Steve and Rick; Andrea (Terry) Horde, Paula Gardner and Carol (Brad) Parker; Sally Gibson was loved like a daughter. Adored grandmother of Damien and Jay Gordon, Joe and Chris Horde, Morgan Nevins, Olivia and Amanda Parker, Emila Bender. Great- grandmother of nine. Loving sister to Ruth Hart and the late Joe and Frank Hillstock; sister-in-law to Dorothy Smith, Frances Porter, Dorothy Hillstock; numerous other loving family members and friends. Helen was a resident of SF since 1946 and from August 2004 resided at Linda Mar Care Center in Pacifica. We thank the wonderful LMCC staff for the amazing care given in her final days. She had an enormous heart that truly loved and she was loved in return by all that met her. Helen loved to cook, enjoyed music and socializing with family and friends (let's not forget how she loved Reno!). Her home was always warm and she welcomed everyone. Her wonderful sense of humor to the end defied the normal markers of Alzheimers'. She has left a huge void in our lives and will always be remembered as our family matriarch. Helen was cremated and a Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. For information, contact her daughter, Carol Parker: (650) 859-6115 or e-mail: [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in memory of Helen Gordon to the Alzheimers' Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Feb. 26, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Gordon

23 Entries

Ann Martini

March 23, 2006

With all my sympathy and love to the entire family, whom I have known most of my life.

We will miss you very much, Love Ann

Frances Porter

March 21, 2006

Helen, we go back a long way, since I was a teenager. Many an evening we spent at the ElDorado Ballroom listening to Charles with Milton Larkins band. I still 'see' you bouncing your head to the beat. You never forgot cause you did the same 'head bounce' to jazz music when your dreadful ailment would let you say only "goody,goody". What great fun we had in the good old days. Bet Charles met you at the gate playing his drums along with Gabriel's trumpet so you could do the two step into the pearly gates. I miss both of you greatly but know you're both happy doing your usual bickering. Oop's! Maybe I should'nt say that here. Guess it's ok since you'd be the first to say "What the heck!" As sister's-in-law for 66 years, friends longer, there are so many things we shared but space and age wont allow me to recall or tell them here. Just know that you are missed by all of us and will never be forgotten. Hugs and kisses to Charles and the others. Fran

DOTTY YOUNG

March 20, 2006

MUCH LOVE AND CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILY, I ONLY MET HER A FEW TIMES BUT FOUND HER TO BE A VERY LOVING MOTHER AND SO PROUD OF HER FAMILY. I WILL NEVER FORGET HER EYES AND SMILING FACE. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE MET HER.

stephanie phillips

March 19, 2006

first and foremost, i would like to send my condolences to the Gordon family. i am terribly sorry for the loss of what i KNOW was a wonderful person. i heard so much about her. my only regrets is that i never got the chance to meet and shake the hand of the woman who raised the most AWESOME family in the world. i feel as though the Gordons are all a piece of family to me and Miss NANA, you did a great job and im so happy/proud to be a part of what you created. one day, in heaven im gonna come up to you and introduce myself as the Stephanator. please take good care of my dog, Mariah. u will like her. God Bless.

Paula Gardner

March 19, 2006

Mom, I miss you so much and I can't believe that you have been gone for a month! There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of you. All the good times we had - - from the circus to rock concerts, and from Reno to sleep overs at my house. You were not only my mom, but my best friend. As your disease progressed, I felt as if you became the child I never had and I was the mother. I am so lucky to have spent your last two days on earth with you and to be one of your children at your side when God brought you "home". We will celebrate in your honor and always remember the love you had for your family and friends. I know you are safe and smiling down on us from above. I love you, mom.

Marsha Fecteau

March 18, 2006

Dear Gordon Family:

I have wonderful memories of your Mom, she always had an open door and heart as well. I am thankful for the fun memories of just being in the Gordon family home. May God give you all comfort. All my Love

Marsha Errico, Fecteau

Pat Lilley

March 16, 2006

I will always remember Helen as a loving, generous spirit, and a "live life to the fullest" kind of person. We always want more time with loved ones, but since that can't happen now, I'll take some consolation in picturing Helen smiling down at all her family and friends from heaven and wishing us well.

EJ Smith

March 7, 2006

We will miss you so much NANA...Linda Mar isn't desame without you there. We will never forget your beautiful smile and all your "goody goodys!!!" I love you nana...

jacqueline hempstead

March 4, 2006

WELL HEL MANY THANKS FOR ALL THE LOVE YOU GAVE US OVER THE YEARS; AND MY MEMORIES AS A CHILD IN THE KITCHEN WHEN THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT, I KNOW YOU REMEMBER,LOVE YOU, YOUR BIG GIRL.

GREGORY HART

March 3, 2006

WISH ICOULD GIVE YOU ONE LAST HUG BUT YOU KNOW ME. LOVE YOU AUNTIE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE.

Staci Hempstead

March 3, 2006

I will continue for all of eternity forever loving you auntie Helen. I will remember and cherish all of the fantastic times though I wish we could have had more together until we see each other again but until then me and my family will light four candles for you.

The first candle represents our grief; the pain of losing you is intense it reminds us of the depth of our love for you. The second candle represents our courage. To confront our sorrow and comfort each other,to change our lives. The third candle we light in your memory for the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, the caring and joy you gave us. The fourth candle we light for our love. We light this candle that your light will always shine. As we enter this new year and share rememberence with our family and friends. We cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift your living brought each of us. We love you and will always remember you!!!

Mia Hempstead

March 3, 2006

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." You shall be missed Helen. Love Mia

brian lewis

March 2, 2006

i'll miss the hugs and kisses you always had for me, i know you"ll miss giving them to me cause i am special

Rene Van Dyke

March 2, 2006

One of many famous life quotes to live by:

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

~ Thornton Wilder ~

Aunt Helen, enjoy your enternal slumber, you will be missed but not forgotten.

Cee Cee Lewis

March 2, 2006

Ole Helen,I remeber one summer coming to SF with my nana and taking one entire day out on the town with you. I remember riding all the street cars and you buying me bubble gum. I remember I was suppose to spend the night with you but you know me CRY BABY!!! I will also love and miss you. It was let me correct myself IT IS a blessing to be a part of your family! I love you Helen!

traci hart

March 2, 2006

I remember spending alot of time with Helen when I would visit my nana(Ruthie) when I was much younger. I really enjoyed the bart rides we would take and the b.l.t. sandwiches and even the strawberry milkshakes she would make even though the eggs she would put in wasn't mixed in very well! I know she will be missed by everyone. My Condolences.

Denise Berry

March 2, 2006

Auntie, I will truely miss you. But now you are safe and with your brothers. You are always in my heart and prayers. I love you.

Denise

cris bowell

March 1, 2006

My dearest Helen because of you we have a greater appreciation for music. Your love of people and the way you treated my brother Craig and I made us feel like part of your family. Like you used to say, "I couldn't love you more if I birthed you myself"! You always said how God sent us to meet Paula because she was the furthist from home and you didn't worry about her anymore because of us. We will miss you and know that you will be watching over your loved ones.

Cris & Craig Boswell

Rana Anderson

March 1, 2006

I want to send my condolences to the family. I have very warm and happy memories of Helen, she will be with us forever.

whitehead deborah

March 1, 2006

i lived with you like a daughter and no more was expected of me (debbye i hear you laughing up there)i know carol and paula remember that.....we will sing "at last" that is my favorite song also. i could write a book but i wont...i missed you already.

ruth hart

March 1, 2006

my sister i will miss you, see you when i get there old girl

June Halson Rhinehart

February 28, 2006

Much love and many condolences to the family of a "One of a kind" lady".

June & Bill

Tamra, Emila and Donna Bender

February 26, 2006

I remember Helen as always being "jolly" and she was lot of fun to be around.....especially to girl-talk with!!! She will be missed by her grandaughter...but I will be sure to share stories with her and I hope you all will too!!

Love the Benders

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