Julia "Elaine" Ghidelli

1955 - 2018

Julia "Elaine" Ghidelli

Visalia - August 18, 1955- June 28, 2018

Elaine was called home to her Lord and Savior on June 28, 2018 surrounded by loving family and friends at her side. After a short but fierce third battle with cancer, she left this world with a beautiful expression of peace and comfort on her face. She was a survivor and a fighter to the end.

Born to Henry and Carol Ghidelli on August 18, 1955 in Riverdale, California, Elaine loved her family. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, whom she cherished, her father and hero, Henry Ghidelli, and several beloved aunts and uncles.

Elaine is survived by her two daughters; Emily Helmick and husband Allan of Anaheim Hills and Jenna Seals and husband Nick of Visalia; four beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Mia Helmick, & Henry and Juliana Seals, with another grandchild anticipated in November; her mother, Carol Ghidelli, sisters Janice Van Groningen and husband Gary, and Frances Nordstrom and husband Roger, along with her nieces, nephews, and dear cousins whom she adored. She also is survived by her two best lifelong friends, Linda Carreiro Gulley and TeriAnn Coelho Castillo.

Throughout her life, Elaine never knew a stranger. She always found a genuine connection with every person she met, including her classmates in Riverdale or at Fresno State, at work in the dairy feed commodities business, or at Sunrise Senior Living, where she was the "face of Sunrise of Fresno" for the past 21 years, and through her catholic faith and service to the church. She could light up any room with her infectious smile, and a laugh you could pick out in any crowd. She had an incredible light in her eyes and was so easy to love. Elaine prided herself on the incredible relationships and friendships that she made throughout her years through her involvement at George McCann School and St. Mary's Catholic Parish, and most recently through her service with the Diocese of Fresno, KNXT/Channel 49 Catholic Television Station and Good Shepherd Parish's bereavement ministry and evangelization retreats. Elaine selflessly gave her all and was a true pillar of faith, strength, and positivity.

A citation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Sunday, July 8th, 2018 at 4pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia, California.

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, July 9th, 2018, at 11am at St. Ann's Catholic Parish, 3047 W. Mt. Whitney Avenue, Riverdale, California.

Additionally, a memorial/birthday celebration will be held at Sunrise Assisted Living of Fresno, 7444 N. Cedar Ave. on Saturday, August 18th, 2018. For more details, please contact Jenna Seals.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the St. Charles Borromeo Building Fund, the Central California Alzheimer's Association, Stanford Cancer Center, or to a favorite charity of your choice.