Helen Marie Macedo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great great-grandmother, sister and auntie. Born October 28, 1922, Helen was blessed to celebrate her 100th birthday with family and friends in October of 2022.
Married to John Macedo for 61 years before his passing, they had 6 children: Raymond (Rosemary), Dennis (Gracie), Virginia Stene, Lawrence (Maureen), Ronald (Karen), and Marianne Grubb (Mark). She was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great, great-grandchild along with many nieces, nephews, step-children, and step-grandchildren.
Helen was born in Turlock to Mary and Manuel Jorge and preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Ernie and Al Jorge, and her beloved twin sister Hazel Gonsalves Bloom. She was raised in Turlock, moved to Tracy for a short time before returning to Turlock. She graduated from Tracy High School then attended Modesto Junior College. As a young woman Helen enjoyed going to Portuguese “Festas” with her sister and brothers. After marrying John, she began raising her family and worked alongside her husband in the family farming business.
Her faith and devotion to God was very important to her. She was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in Turlock where she volunteered countless hours at Sacred Heart School.
A lifelong sports fan, she played basketball and badminton in high school. She liked watching sports on TV and especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals.
She enjoyed sewing, baking, and especially making her Portuguese donuts (filhos) which everyone enjoyed on special occasions. Those who knew her loved her quick-witted sense of humor and generous heart. Living on a ranch, there were always pets around to share in her abundance of love and compassion.
Shortly after John passed, the twins were living together again and could always be found “cruising” around to lunch or events.
Helen was the matriarch of the family and leaves a loving legacy for us to cherish.
Viewing will be at Allen Mortuary on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 4:00 pm followed by Rosary at 5:00 pm.
Mass will be at Sacred Heart Church, Turlock on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 12:00 noon with burial to follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
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