Helen Millerick LARSON

LARSON, Helen Millerick September 18, 1924 - June 24, 2018 Helen, matriarch of the Millerick Larson Family, died peacefully surrounded by those she loved, following a brief precipitous decline-she was 93. From cowgirl and rodeos to vineyards and wine and a whole lot in between she lived a full life witnessing nearly a century of change. She was always happy, always smiling, always welcoming--she will always be missed. Helen was born in Oakland, California to Thomas and Mary Millerick. She married Robert Fallon Larson on April 15, 1950 in Vallejo, California. She grew up on the ranch in Sonoma, which her family had been farming since 1877. She attended grammar school in Sonoma, graduated from Sonoma Valley High School and then from the University of California at Berkeley. She raised her children in Berkeley a town she appreciated for its cultural attributes. When Bob retired from his veterinary practice in El Cerrito they packed their bags and moved back to her mother's ranch in Schellville, where they planted some of the first chardonnay vineyards in the Sonoma Carneros district. They later founded Sonoma Creek Winery and Vineyards. After Bob's death, Helen continued to live in Sonoma, volunteering as a cook for Meals-On-Wheels, enjoying her garden and taking walks along Sonoma Creek with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her four children: Paul, Suzanne (Jeffrey), Tom (Becky) and Mariellen (Brian), her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mom had a childlike spirit and beauty until her death. She is sorely missed by all those who had the opportunity to know her. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 2 at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, Sonoma California For details contact Duggan's Mission Chapel.