Helen Maudlin Kelley was born in Fortuna on July 17, 1924. She entered heaven on March 3, 2026 at the age of 101. She grew up in Fortuna and graduated from Fortuna High School in 1942. She stayed in touch with her high school friends and attended many class reunions throughout the years.

Helen was an enthusiastic league bowler and enjoyed many years at the lanes. She proudly displayed trophies from those long ago bowling days. She worked various jobs during her life including several years at Kelly’s Jewelers in Arcata. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in 1990 and became a member of the Eureka Nazarene Church. She was involved in the Senior Adult Ministries enjoying fellowship and many activities. Crocheting blankets for babies and baking pies for first time visitors were an important part of her ministry. Mom was known as the church “hugger.”

Helen enjoyed spending time at family gatherings. She shared her birthday month with great-granddaughter Casey, and loved celebrating with her. She loved strawberry ice cream, jigsaw puzzles and keeping her mind sharp doing word search and crosswords. She also loved cats and was given the name Kitty Grandma by her great grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Bob Giacomini and wife Carol; son-in-law, Don Clogston; stepdaughter, Susan Roberts, and her grandchildren and their families; Carri Fabbri (Brett), Travis Jackson (Tiffany), Tami Potterf (Steve) and many extended family members who loved her dearly.

Helen was preceded in death by her father Albert Maudlin, mother Lucile Maxwell, husband Jack Kelley, daughter Gayle Clogston, and grandson Michael Giacomini.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and prayers during this time. A special thank you to Hospice of Humboldt for their excellent care and compassion.

A private family graveside service was held at Ocean View Cemetery.

###

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