Helen Mary Nielsen's Obituary
Helen Mary Nielsen (Phelps) 1924 – 2013
Born in Denver, on December 31st, Helen lived life like every day was New Year’s Eve. A stylish dresser, queen of the Aqua-Net hair-do’s, with her high heels and nylons on, she was always ready to paint the town red. What a dancer too…we’re talking Fred and Ginger here. A voracious reader, self-taught gourmet cook who could teach Graham Kerr (10 points if you thought Galloping Gourmet) a thing or two, crossword fanatic, world traveler, hell on wheels in her Sporty Datsun 240Z (She would race every kid on the block and God forbid you cut her off on the freeway) and an avid golfer, but most of all a great wife, daughter, mother, sister and friend. Her family moved to Oakland after WWII where her Father was a railroad engineer. Times were tough, and after her parents divorced, she quit college to help support her Mother. Helen worked all of her life, mostly 30 years as the respected Head Administrator for all of Contra Costa County Hospitals until her retirement. She had an amazing vocabulary and could knock out the NY Times crossword puzzle in 20 minutes, and swear in 10 languages. She had the gift of putting people at ease upon their first meeting and in 5 minutes they’re telling her their life story. Anyone could drop by day or night and she would whip up something delicious out of thin air and she never needed or used a recipe. She was the epitome of a gracious hostess. After a brief marriage and having 2 children, she was a single, working mom. Soon she would meet and married the love of her life, Mel Nielsen for 45 years until his death in 2004. She even passed away on what would have been their 52nd Wedding anniversary, but she carried on alone, fighting one illness or another for many more years and never ever gave up, just her body did. Her Colorado upbringing instilled her with a grit, independence and determination that were the foundation of her life. She and Mel lived in Orinda most of her life before moving to Danville a few years ago and lived independently with her trusty side kick Cathy (God bless you) for many years. As the wife of a politician and business leader, she schmoozed with Congressmen, Senators, CEO’s and even future presidents…little did they know she was always the smartest person in the room. She could discuss any world topic from Socrates to Tom Clancy. Her thirst for knowledge drove her to attend night school to get not only her 4 year degree, but a Master’s in Business Administration. Oh yea, she was in her 40’s and working full time plus raising 2 kids! If she wasn’t traveling the world, cruising or playing golf, she probably was throwing a bash for some of her many, many friends…she knew how to throw a party. With Helen, what you see is what you get, if she liked you, it was for life. If she didn’t like you, she had the guts to tell you to your face, gotta respect that. In the 80’s, she volunteered to be a Guinea pig for a new breast cancer treatment that went on to save the lives of thousands of women, including her own. She would not want you to mourn her death, but celebrate a great life and remember your good times together and smile. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Melvin Fritz Nielsen, her parents Willard and Lillian Phelps and only sibling Gerald Phelps. Her surviving children are Sally Baker and Ken Nielsen and her second family children Lance Nielsen and Sheila Gilmore. Sister in law Tina Phelps, niece and nephew Lana Norlander and Greg Phelps, along with her countless grandchildren and great grandchildren…too many to name here, sorry kids, they charge by the word. She was also the adopted mom of foster child, Lavern Land. Helen was the epitome of selflessness – she would do anything for anyone and always put the needs of others before her own. A devoted, loving and proud family woman, Helen was adored by family and friends, whom will miss her dearly. Helen will be cremated and interned with her beloved husband and next to his parents Fritz and Lillian Nielsen at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland. At her request, there will be no funeral services; however there will be a Helluva Party to honor her in the near future.
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