Helen M. Estes

Helen M. Estes of Benicia passed away Wednesday in a local hospital following a brief illness. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri and has called Benicia her home since 1973. Helen has been co-owner and operator of Metropolitan Moving & Storage since 1968. Helen was active in many local organizations including the Benicia Community Action Council (CAC), the Benicia Soroptimist and the Salvation Army. She was on the board of the Benicia CAC, Sutter Solano Foundation as well as being appointed by Supervisor John Silva to the Area Agency Council on Aging Meals on Wheels. She was on the Fundraising Committee for the Benicia CAC spending her time at many events selling teriyaki chicken or catfish in the park or on First Street with Viola Robertson and later organized the Annual Fashion Show which benefits the Benicia CAC and Senior Meals Program. Though her preference was to work unnoticed she was elected Human Service Fund "Woman of the Year", this year the Soroptimist honored her with their Ruby Award and she was a Honorary Board Member for the Benicia CAC. Helen was a single mother raising her five children, but always opened her heart and home to her extended family which included her children's brothers, sister and friends. She was also a pioneer in the moving industry, being the first female Estimator in the 13 western states. Helen also was of a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. She was preceded in death by her Foster Parents William and Grace Witt, her brothers Jack Hogan, Gordon Hogan and John McNamara. She is survived by her daughters Donna Reynolds and Denise (Mark) Paulley; sons Don (Norma) Paulley, Dennis (Cecilia) Paulley and Steve Johnson; stepdaughters Vicki Foster and Michelle Estes; niece Laura (Eddie) Hogan, nephews John McNamara and Steven Hogan, 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, friends and extended family. She will be missed by her children and all who were touched by her generosity of spirit, her love, humor and outspoken ways. Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 15th at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel followed by a celebration of Life at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Helen had one final requested for all those who would like to donate, please donate to the Benicia CAC and yes Vi, this is my final fundraiser!

Helen M. Estes

September 27, 1932 - December 6, 2017