Obituary

HELEN M. GOLDBY JAMES
2/8/29 – 5/20/25

Announcement of Death

Helen M. Goldby James (nee Stewart) passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at 96 years young, in Mission Viejo, California.  She lived gracefully, generously and purposefully for many years, even after being diagnosed with life-altering illness in her early 60’s.  Helen was born February 8, 1929, in Clifton, New Jersey.

Family

Helen was preceded in death by her mother, Sylvia Beatrice Stewart, and father, Thomas Stewart, brothers, Thomas Stewart and Lewis Stewart, and husbands, Ronald Freeland Goldby (U.S. Army veteran) and William James (U.S. Army veteran).  She is survived by son, Glenn Goldby, and daughter, Susan Howell, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Life Summary

Helen was raised by her parents in New Jersey and attended Clifton High School there.  She began work as a bank teller while in high school and later married Ronald Freeland Goldby in 1952, with whom she had two children, Glenn and Susan.  The family moved to Arizona in 1960, where Helen lived for most of her life.  She returned to banking after her children were grown, rising to branch manager, before starting her own business, Joy-Len Creations, creating one of a kind, custom furniture and country art pieces.

Helen loved square dancing, playing card games, cruising, and interacting with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Her family and friends were, and meant, everything to her.  In her later life, she volunteered her time, talent and treasure to, among other things, the Salvation Army, making a variety of treasures for donation to needy families.

Christian Faith

Helen, whose brother Lewis was a pastor in the Baptist church, celebrated her Christian faith often and attended and was embraced by a number of churches over the years in many different locales.

Interests and Hobbies

Helen loved to paint, crochet, knit, decoupage and otherwise engage in all things arts and crafts.  She was a formidable poker player and incredibly lucky in all games of chance, including bingo, kings in the corner, hand and foot, uno, and racehorse.  She took up golf late in life and even tried skiing, anything that she could participate in with family and friends.

Helen loved life and lived it to the fullest.  All who knew her knew they could count on her even in the worst of times.  She will be missed.