Helen Victoria Thompson

Helen Victoria Thompson, 90, passed away quietly on December 8, 2008. Suffering from congestive heart failure, she was surrounded by her loving family during the days leading to her passing. Helen moved to Bonsall two years ago to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Ken Sousa.

Helen will be remembered by all of her family and friends as being a loving and caring person who always put others first. Her faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was the source of her strength.

Even in physical decline, she always found ways to reach out, to say thank you and to smile at those who helped her. This faith and devotion was also the source of her patience.

Her sharp memory and mastery of crossword puzzles amazed everyone. To the end, she was a role model, teaching us how to be kind and considerate to others.

Helen was born December 28, 1917, in Needles, CA, and graduated from Needles High School. Prior to her marriage, she was a bookkeeper for the Needles Water Company and the Lumber Company.

After marrying her Henry, who was an engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad, they moved to Barstow. She was a resident of Barstow for 54 years. Helen was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish and was active in their Altar Society for 15 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Henry; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Bob Collier; brothers William Ackerley and Julian Ackerley; and sisters Sara Ackerley and Edna Hoskins.

Helen is survived by sons and daughters-in-law William and Mila, Tigard, OR, Edward and Joyce, Poway, CA, and Daniel and Denise, Arkport, NY; daughter and son-in-law Catherine and Kenneth Sousa; brother and sister-in-law Gene and Glora, Tucson, AZ; brother-in-law Lou Hoskins, Needles; sister-in-law Dorothy Ackerley, Needles; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and 12 nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on December 16 at St. Joseph’s followed by a graveside service and burial at Mt. View Cemetery in Barstow.