Helen D. Smith

Helen D Smith was Born in 1924 to parents George Lucien Rankin and Georgianna Loretta Rankin. Helen was the eldest of three daughters. Her two Sisters were Patricia Beghetti, (recently deceased) and Claire Rankin who is currently living in Napa, California. As a young girl, Helen loved to roller skate the hills of San Francisco, go to the ice-skating rinks and swim at Sutros Baths. Being of French heritage, Helen attended the prestigious French School, Notre Dame De Victoire from grades K-12 where courses were taught in French and English. Her French heritage helped shape her love of music, art and of course food. Family was extremely important and there were many family gatherings that included 5 course French family dinners, picnics in Golden Gate Park and Sunday drives to the Redwoods.

Post high school, Helen attended 2 years at U.C. Berkeley and later finished her education at Heald’s Business School. Helen met Francis R. Smith referred to as Bob when she was 16 and he was 17. They were neighbors and became great friends. During WWII Helen and Bob wrote letters for 3 years and during that time fell in love. They Married on November 11, 1945. Helen and Bob enjoyed a marriage that lasted almost 70 years. In the early years of their marriage, they were incredibly involved in the Marin Dog Club, raising, and competing their AKC boxers in obedience training. Helen and Bob became ballroom dance instructors through Arthur Murray’s dance studio. They had tremendous fun dancing together and teaching others. They really knew how to clear a dance floor with some of their moves. Helen and Bob were Foster parents to several children and helped shape the lives of these precious children who needed love and support. In 1958 Helen and Bob adopted their son Roland George Smith and 5 years later in 1963 they adopted their daughter Arlene Claire ((Smith) Nosker. Helen and Bob were thrilled to be parents and found tremendous joy and purpose in their family. Helen was involved in ecumenical work with the goal of uniting churches as God sees us as one church. She taught catechism at St. Raphael’s School and served her church faithfully. Her faith in God meant everything to her and she loved Jesus and developed a personal relationship with Him through the power of Holy Spirit.

In the 70’s as her children grew Helen began working with Bob in the family business and managed the giftshop boutique that was attached to the family restaurant in San Francisco. They made their home in San Rafael California and enjoyed many wonderful years there. In the 1980’s, Helen went back to school and learned how to work on word processor's and worked as an office assistance at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co.

In retirement, Helen and Bob moved to the beautiful Napa Valley and began a whole new chapter of life that included world travel, tennis league tournaments and the Napa Valley Symphony League. Their joy increased with the addition of grandchildren that grew their family. Helen was in her glory with her grandson Christian Spencer-Smith, Ailish Mae Nosker, Jessica Rose Nosker and Violet Helene Nosker.

Helen and Bob moved to Texas in 2012 to be closer to their daughter Arlene and family. Helen bravely carried on after losing the love of her life Bob in 2015. She moved in with daughter Arlene and son-in law Ken and remained well-cared for and loved fully by her family until the Lord called her home Saturday July 25, 2020. Helen will be laid to eternal rest with Bob at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. A private Burial will be held Friday, Aug 14th. Helen has touched the lives of many people and the legacy she leaves behind is one of love. “Great is Thy Faithfulness”