Our carefree, sassy, and loving mother passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on the afternoon of May 26.

Maryhelen Ness was born to Rita and Douglas McConaghy on August 8, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio. When she was young, her family moved to California, and she grew up in the San Fernando Valley. She was the eighth of twelve children.

In 1975, Maryhelen had her first child, Jesse. In 1977, she met Michael Ness through mutual friends. It was love at first sight, and they married on December 16, 1978, once Michael completed his service in the Navy. They moved to Humboldt County before their daughter April was born in 1980. She then had her third child, William, in 1985.

Maryhelen had been a CNA since she was 18 years old—caring for others was her life’s passion. She held many roles, including EPT, Home Health, and working at several skilled nursing facilities. However, her dream job was working with Hospice. Sadly, a back injury forced her to retire from nursing.

Maryhelen met her best friend, Lori, through Hospice, and they enjoyed taking trips and spending time together. She was always destined to be a grandma. Her favorite color was purple, and she was lovingly known as “Purple Grandma.” Michael and Maryhelen adored spending time with their grandchildren, often hosting sleepovers that lasted two or three days—much to the kids’ delight, who always begged to stay longer.

She took great pride in her Irish heritage and dreamed of visiting Ireland. She fulfilled that dream with her daughter April and cherished every moment of the trip. She also loved traveling to Brookings with Michael, where they spent weekends sightseeing and visiting the beaches. The ocean and dolphins held a special place in her heart.

Maryhelen is survived by her husband of 46 years, Michael; her son Jesse (April); daughter April (Lyndon); and son William (Lisa). She is also survived by her grandchildren: James, Shyanna, Jamie, Myles, Ariana, Liam, and Barrett—as well as several siblings with whom she had lost contact over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, several siblings, and her very special grandson, Alexander.

We would like to give special thanks to the amazing staff at Hospice. We wouldn’t have made it through these last few months without them—especially her nurse, Bridgette, and the aides. Also, heartfelt thanks to her private caregiver, Makhila, who went above and beyond whenever she could. Thank you to all our friends, family, and neighbors who stepped up to help during this time. We truly appreciate all of you.

In lieu of a funeral, her family will hold a private gathering this summer to honor her.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Maryhelen Ness’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.