Helen Evashenk

Helen June Evashenk of Salinas passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday September 14, 2010 after struggling the last few months with failing health. Although devastated by her passing, the family is relieved that she is now at rest in heaven with family and friends who passed before her, especially Alan, her first child. Helen was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 2, 1930. She met her husband-to-be, Al, who worked with her brother Ed. They were married on June 9, 1951. Helen’s first job was with Dearborn Chemical Company and later she worked for Pontiac Motors prior to starting a family. Helen and Al moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1954 where their four sons were born: Alan (deceased), Michael, Mark and Tom. A job transfer brought the family to Salinas in 1965 where Helen and Al have since lived. Helen loved the mild weather of Salinas after the heat, humidity and snow of the Midwest. Helen devoted her life to her family and made them top priority in her life. She loved to play cards and games with her children, six grandchildren, and friends and lavished all with home-baked batches of chocolate chip cookies, lemon bars, and apple pies. Helen’s arms reached far broader than her own family and she opened her heart and mind to all and was a mother to far more than her own children. Helen lived to give. For many years she found time to work part-time for American Greetings and volunteered at the American Heart Association. Helen was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where she was a tireless volunteer, active in its ministries from Bible School to “I Help”—driven to assist the young, old and those in special need. Helen is survived by Al, her husband of 59 years, sons and daughters-in-laws Michael and Marianne, Mark and Tori, Tom and Margie, and her brother and sister-law Ed and Darlene Franger. Helen had a very special place in heart for her six grandchildren: Robert, Lauren, Sarah, Coco, Alex and Haley who enjoyed her mantra: “Grandma’s my name - spoilin’s my game!” The family thanks the hospital staff at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital for their loving care of Helen in the last two weeks of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association. Saturday September 25, 2010 , 10:30am at Good Shepard Lutheran Church Click for Map and Directions