Obituary of Mary Jean Helton

Mary Helton died peacefully in her sleep after a four-month battle with Central Nervous System Lymphoma cancer, on September 17, 2022, at the age of 70.

Mary will be forever remembered by her son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Meg Helton, her grandchildren, Ian, Brendan, and Caitlin, her aunts, Ila Mae Burns and Barbara Trudeau, and many nieces and nephews.  Mary is predeceased by her parents, Betty and Merlin Van Matre, and her brother, David Van Matre.

Mary was born in Berkeley, California, and grew up in the Bay Area, and later in Stockton, before settling in Sacramento, California. Here, she met and married, Clyde Helton.  Clyde’s military post brought them to Mississippi, Virginia, and Greece, and when it came time for Mary to give birth to her son, Chris Helton, she was flown to the closest US hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Upon her divorce, Mary and Chris moved back to Sacramento, California, and Mary worked in the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Mary loved all games, anything that involved crafts, and time with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed many singles’ activities and made many good friends.  Her fun-loving nature was seen by all and will be dearly missed. Her friends and family are comforted in knowing that they will be reunited again together in heaven for eternity.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held September 29th, at 11am in the chapel at Fair Oaks Church, 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, California 95628.