Obituary

Helen Janet (Olson) Farrell of Palmia, Mission Viejo, CA, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018.  Helen is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Patrick, and their 7 children:  Nuzio Fireheart, OR; Linda Fleming (Val), Huntington Beach, CA; Carol Cowan (Wendell), Fullerton, CA; Mike Farrell, Cypress, CA; Kathy Davison (Nick), Huntington Beach, CA; Julie Del Valle (Josh), Lakewood, CA; Bob Farrell (Heather), Corona, CA;  14 Grandchildren, 17 nieces/nephews  as well as her sister, Sr. Carol Olson, CSJ, St. Louis, MO.  Helen was preceded in deathby her parents, Carl and Coletta (Shea) Olson, sisters, Marguerite (Peg) Daly, Eileen Koch, and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Farrell.

Helen Janet Farrell was born July 18, 1933, in St. Paul, MN.  She graduated from St. Joseph Academy, St. Paul, in 1951.  On October 25, 1952 Helen was united in marriage with Patrick Farrell at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN.  Together they raised 4 children in Minnesota and in June of 1963 they moved to California and settled in Los Alamitos, CA.  Helen and Pat had 3 more children in CA where she was an active housewife and mother who managed the St. Hedwig Little League baseball snack shack for years and the family were active members of St. Hedwig School and Parish.  In the summer of 1974 the Farrell family started an annual tradition of going to Lake Almanor, CA on vacation.  There they fish, boat, enjoy water activities, reconnect as a family and have made many lifelong friends during their vacations.  As the children grew older Helen went to work at the concession stands in Angel Stadium where her love for the Angels Baseball team began.

Helen and Pat moved to Palmia in 1989 and made many wonderful friends.  Helen was in charge of the Palmia Chorale “Sing-for-Fun” Group, loved line dancing, water aerobics, going to dinner with friends and playing games with friends.  She was well-known for her annual Academy Award party, sense of humor and love for life. Helen’s faith shone through her actions where family and friends alike knew that they’d be on her prayer list.  Married to the love of her life for more than 65 years, Helen was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend…  She has left us all with memories of laughter, her well-told stories, love of music and dancing. “Sweet Caroline” will never be the same. She will be greatly missed!