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Helen Wester Obituary
November 20, 2023
Wester, Helen Regina – Passed away peacefully as Mass was being celebrated in her room on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Charles R. Wester to whom she was married for 51 years; loving mother of Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Barry F. Wester (Helen Cademartori), Nancy M. Barbi and Kathryn H. O'Sullivan; loving mother-in-law of the late Stephen R. Barbi and Terence G. O'Sullivan; cherished grandmother of Jeffrey (Kathleen), Bryan and Andrew (Sarah) Wester; Robert Barbi (Ilaria), Jennifer Belanger (Trevor) and Stephen Barbi; Michael, John (Darline Carillo) and Sarah (Craig Morin) O'Sullivan; proud great-grandmother of Theo Wester, Charlotte Wester and Whitten Wester; devoted sister of M. Jean Lee and the late Emmett Egan and daughter of the late Emmett and Helen Egan;also survived by many loving relatives and friends as well as parishioners from Our Lady of Mercy, St. Stephen, St. Peter (Pacifica) and St. Gregory Parishes.
Helen was devoted to her family and was a faithful friend to many. Her love of the rosary and the celebration of the Eucharist marked a life of deep faith. She enjoyed playing Bridge, vacationing in Pollock Pines and preparing delicious meals for the many who gathered around her table. Her warm smile, gracious personality, Irish sense of humor and selfless love for family and friends will live on forever in our hearts as we take comfort that Christ has called Mom to himself and that she has joined Dad, her parents and the Communion of Saints where every tear has been wiped away. The Wester family is deeply grateful to the many who have expressed their love and condolences; and to the caregivers at Judy's Homes whose care and concern for Mom will never be forgotten.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27, at St. Gregory Church, 2715 Hacienda Street, San Mateo, followed by the praying of the rosary at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the parish hall. The committal service will be at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made to one's home parish, Catholic Charities or Catholic Relief Services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Wester
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Teri Stark Pohley
April 22, 2024
On behalf of Lou and Joan Stark, our family sends deepest condolences to the Wester family. Your folks were gems!
Michael, Richard, Teri, Tim, and Tom
Angelica P Plass
December 29, 2023
Dear Archbishop Webster and family, so sorry for your loss. Archbishop, I met you a few years ago getting off the plane at San Francisco and you said you were there to visit your mother. That´s such a beautiful witness to filial love. Thanks for that. I´m sure God is grateful to your Mom for raising a shepherd of His people. God bless all the Wester descendants!
Angelica Plass
Sangre de Cristo Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Mark Ruane
December 28, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Helen "Honey" Wester's passing. So many memories of visiting Helen, and Charlie's home in Westlake, as a child I was happy to visit and always hoping I would get to see the cuckoo clock. She was a dear friend of my mother's, Mary Ruane as well as Father Power and all the great San Francisco families that were started in OLM parish. She was one of a kind and will be in my thoughts and prayers. May a perpetual light shine upon her, and Charlie as they are together again in Heaven.
Mark and Alicia Ruane
Peg O'Rourke Rosen
December 2, 2023
My parents, Joe and Martha O'Rourke, were good friends with Charlie and Helen Wester for many years. Deepest sympathy from Dennis, Kevin and Peggy O'Rourke
Terri Nielsen Stevenson
November 27, 2023
My condolences to the Wester family. All of the Wester children were so kind which I'm sure is a reflection of their parents. Mrs. Wester was a gracious woman. May she rest in peace.
Terri Nielsen
Formerly of 380 Glenwood Ave.
Michael Specht
November 27, 2023
It has pleased Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom,
to call from our midst your beloved Mother
who departed from this life on November 20, 2023
By her death, our Knights has sustained the loss
of an exemplary Catholic and worthy mother of a Knight;
therefore, be it
That, while we bow in submission to the will of our
Heavenly Father, we mourn the loss of your mother
who has been taken from us, and be it further
That this testimonial of condolence be offered to you and the
family as an expression of our heartfelt sympathy
Michael Specht - Knights of Columbus - Santa Fe District Deputy
November 27, 2023
It has pleased Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom,
to call from our midst your beloved Mother
who departed from this life on November 20, 2023
By her death, our Knights has sustained the loss
of an exemplary Catholic and worthy mother of a Knight;
therefore, be it
That, while we bow in submission to the will of our
Heavenly Father, we mourn the loss of your mother
who has been taken from us, and be it further
That this testimonial of condolence be offered to you and the
family as an expression of our heartfelt sympathy
Patty Connell
November 26, 2023
I will never forget Helen´s kindness. I was hosting my daughter´s college team for dinner and Helen was up visiting Kathy and Terry. I was overwhelmed and running around in circles. Helen and Kathy came up and rescued me and saved the dinner. I will treasure that memory and the kindness. Thank you Helen for the rescue. Kathy and family I know she is up in Heaven with your Dad and watching over you. Hugs !!!
November 26, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathleen (Enright) Salvia
November 25, 2023
Though I lived on Windsor Dr, not Glenwood, I remember "Mrs. Wester", John´s mom, my classmate at OLM. I was a latecomer to OLM, didn´t get in til 7th grade. John was always kind to me and everyone, so I have to think his parents surely were raising him right. I remember his mom especially, perhaps from church, perhaps because she and my mom were both Westlake Catholic Women. Now they are both gone, and the Redwood forest of Westlake gets a little thinner. May perpetual light shine upon you, Mrs. Wester. With love and sympathy to the family, Kathie (Enright) Salvia, OLM `64
Phil Fraher, Jr.
November 24, 2023
We grew up on Glenwood Avenue, not far from the Wester´s. My Mom and Dad were good friends of Charlie and Helen. They brought in many a New Year with one another. Charlie was also a regular at My Dad´s poker games and they enjoyed sharing an occasional good smoke (cigars). With the exception of our oldest sister, Rosann, we all attended OLM, Phil was in the first graduating class in 1959. Charlie and Helen together with our parents (Phil and Rose) made Glenwood a fun place during our early years. All of us were Blessed to have lived there during that era. On behalf of all the Frahers (Phil, Nancy, Bob, John and Joe) all the Wester´s are in our prayers during this difficult time (our Oldest Sister, Rosann died in June of this year and John officiated at her funeral). Helen lived a good life and because of her love for God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) she was a great role model to us all. To all the Glenwood Westers, God´s Blessing today and always. Love and Prayers, the Glenwood Frahers
Sister Rosemary Everett, snjm
November 24, 2023
Helen Wester is a dear friend of many years. Her obituary describes her well: a gracious, loving, faith-filled woman of extraordinary grace and generosity, devoted to her family and friends.
My loving condolences to John and the Wester family.
Sonia Carrillo
November 24, 2023
My deepest condolences to son in law John and family. May God watch over you. John may your grandma rest in peace.
Kevin Appleby
November 23, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Wester family. May Mrs. Wester rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Brian White - Pendleton, OR
November 22, 2023
Nancy and all the Wester´s: please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. No matter our age, or theirs, losing one´s mother is always a terrible blow. May she rest in peace.
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