Helen Margaret Clarke passed away on October 4, 2026, in Seal Beach, California. She was born on November 18, 1932, in New York, New York, and lived a long life marked by devotion to family and a steadfast commitment to caring for others.

Helen served as a Registered Nurse for 40 years, a calling that reflected both skill and compassion. Her work stood as a meaningful expression of service, and those who knew her could recognize in that vocation the generosity and strength that shaped her life.

Above all, Helen’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished. She is survived by her children: her son, Tom Clarke, Jr. and his wife, Ellen, of Seal Beach; her daughters, Denise Clarke Fanelli and her husband, Stephen, of Seal Beach, Helene Clarke of San Rafael, Noreen Clarke and her husband, Larry, of Glendale, and Rosemary Clarke Shorrock and her husband, Michael, of San Anselmo. She also leaves a large and loving circle of grandchildren: Julia Clarke Kurt and her husband, Jeff, of San Francisco; Maria Clarke of Sacramento; Olivia Clarke of Seal Beach; Molly Clarke of San Francisco; Jennifer M. Fanelli of Denver, Colorado; Michael J. Fanelli of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Megan Sheehan of Los Angeles; Ellen Sheehan of Glendale; Emily Yin of Anaheim; Andrew Yin of Yorba Linda; Elizabeth Yin of Venice; Kaitlin Shorrock Chen and her husband, Louis, of Fairfax; Micaela Choboter and her husband, Kevin, of Pacifica; Liam Shorrock and his wife, Kristen, of Tacoma, Washington; and Fiona Gates and her husband, Aaron, of Baltimore, Maryland.

Helen was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought continued joy to her family: Thomas Neuzil of Glendale; Nora Shorrock Chen, Mary Shorrock Chen, and Lucy Shorrock Chen of Fairfax; and Alice Choboter, Hannah Choboter, and Miles Choboter of Pacifica. Their lives, spread across many places and households, are part of the enduring reach of her love.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Clarke, and by her grandson, Matthew Clarke Fanelli. Their memory remained part of the story of her family, and they are remembered with her now in love and gratitude.

Services for Helen are currently pending. Please check back for updates.

Helen Margaret Clarke will be remembered for a life of care, dignity, and deep family devotion. Her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew and loved her.