Helen Clarice MacDonell

Helen Clarice Watt MacDonell, born October 13, 1927, peacefully passed away on February 11, 2024, surrounded by family. Helen was born and raised in Maple Grove, Wisconsin, and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Alongside her late beloved husband of 61 years, Richard Anthony, she raised their 10 children in Atherton, California. Helen adored her family, cherished her Catholic faith, and took great joy in her 38 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren and counting. She was fiercely competitive but did it all with a casual elegance and an infectious joy. Helen held the title of women's golf champion at Menlo Country Club and excelled as a champion bridge player, spending most of her later years competing at high levels. Helen was an avid artist who graduated from the San Francisco Academy of Art at the age of 62. Helen and Richard proudly led their ten children on annual camping expeditions for three months each summer on the shores of the boundary waters in Northern Minnesota, instilling resilience in each of them. She loved taking her children water skiing and always took the lead by being the first in the water. During winter breaks, she enjoyed skiing with family and friends. Living by her daily mantra, “No one can make you unhappy,” Helen embraced this philosophy in all her interactions and activities. In her 96 years, no one ever saw her unhappy and she never complained. Quick-witted and wise, she brightened any room with her presence, especially when her grandchildren visited her estate in Atherton, where she set up art tables and swam alongside them. Known to be the "more the merrier” Mom, she welcomed everyone in her home. She focused on her health and wellness, especially in her later years, and she and Richard were daily swimmers and she was an exercise fanatic. Helen's priorities in life were clear - family, Roman Catholic faith, and grandchildren. She is survived by her 10 children: Glenn, Suzanne, Greg, Debbie, Alex, Roger, Stuart, Janette, Linda, and Richard; her 38 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved Richard Anthony MacDonell. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Raymond’s Church in Menlo Park. On February 24, 2024, Helen will be laid to rest, beginning with mass and rosary services at 10:00 am at St. Raymond’s Church in Menlo Park, California. All friends and family of Helen's are welcome to attend the Mass and the reception at the church that will follow.

Helen Clarice MacDonell

October 13, 1927 - February 11, 2024