Helen Mize

Helen R. Mize passed away peacefully on March 8, 2013 at the age of 91. She leaves her son Robert and daughter Carol; four grandchildren: Janette, Robert, Jr., Michelle, and James; and nine great grandchildren. Janette's daughters: Amber and Ashley; Robert, Jr.'s daughters: Brianna and Leilani; Michelle's children: Cheyne, Frankie, Jeremy and Victoria. Her husband James Mize passed away in 1970.

Helen loved her family, friends and church. She enjoyed cooking, playing cards, camping, and playing with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her delicious dinners, great sense of humor, and always helping others. We will all miss her dearly!

Helen was born on September 22, 1921 in Roswell, New Mexico. She moved to Santa Cruz County with her family in 1928 when she was 7 years old. She went to 2nd grade at Aromas School and was the youngest of seven children. She had five brothers: Ralph, Ernest, Frank, Seth and Paul; and a sister Margaret. Helen graduated from Watsonville High School in 1939 then attended Hartnell College for two years until the start of World War II in December 1941. She then worked as a secretary in the Kaiser ship building yards in San Leandro, California. In 1944, Helen's father suffered a stroke and she returned home to care for him until his death in 1955. In late 1945, she met James David Mize and they were married on August 1, 1946. They had two children: Robert Eugene born August 1947 and Carol Ann born in December 1951. After her husband's death, Helen was a dietician at Dominican Hospital for 20 years. Helen always loved this area and remained in Santa Cruz County.

In leiu of flowers, please send donations to the Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale CA 94085.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main St., Watsonville. Graveside service will follow at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park, 127 Hecker Pass Rd., Watsonville.