Helen Owens Clarke passed away on October 4, 2026, in Seal Beach, California. Born on November 18, 1932, in the Bronx, New York, Helen lived a long life marked by devotion to her family and a steadfast commitment to caring for others.

Helen was the daughter of Mary Conroy, originally of Galway, Ireland, and Michael Owens, originally of Roscommon, Ireland. Her family’s roots reached across the Atlantic to Ireland, carrying with them a heritage of family, tradition, and enduring connections to their homeland.

Many years after Mary Conroy’s passing, Michael Owens married Rose Bradley, who was from Derry, Ireland, becoming another part of Helen’s family story.

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.

Helen was a devout Catholic, and her faith was a central and guiding force throughout her life. Her relationship with God provided a foundation for the way she lived, loved, and cared for others. Her Catholic faith was an enduring source of strength and comfort, shaping her values and deepening her devotion to family. She carried her beliefs with her throughout her life, finding meaning and purpose in the enduring promises of faith.

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, Ellie, 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 grandsons, Matthew Clarke Fanelli and Peter Clarke. Their memory remained part of the story of her family, and they are remembered with her now in love and gratitude.

Celebration of Life for Helen Owens Clarke

A Celebration of Life Liturgy honoring Helen Owens Clarke will be held on November 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission San Fernando.

Location: Mission San Fernando, 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345

Following the liturgy, Helen will be laid to rest at the Mission. A reception will follow the burial, providing family and friends an opportunity to gather, share memories, and celebrate Helen’s life and the faith that was so central to her.

Family and friends who wish to attend are kindly asked to RSVP to Rosemary at (510) 410-2949.

Helen Owens 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.