Photos & Memories
Obituary
Helen was born on April 1, 1932 to proud Italian immigrant parents Batista and Teresa Fistolera near the Sonoma coast. The second youngest in a family of six children, Helen attended and graduated from Healdsburg High School in 1950. She then attended nursing school at the French Hospital in San Francisco, earning her RN in 1953. Helen married fellow Healdsburg native Edward R. Rhodes in 1952. She became a dedicated mother to daughter Nancy in 1955 and son David in 1958. Helen and Ed raised their children in a cozy home on Chalk Hill Road, where they lived until the early 1990s. Helen was a resident of Healdsburg until her early 90s, relocating to Redding to be close to family. Her family remembers her as a loving mother, noni, sister and auntie. She was an avid gardner, homemaker, cook and hummingbird enthusiast. Helen had a non-judgmental nurturing presence, and deeply valued family. She will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her. Helen was proceeded in death by her brother Robert, sisters Alma, Annie and Katie, and brother Giulio. Helen is survived by daughter Nancy (Tony) and son David (Jeanette). Grandchildren Nicholas (David), Lindsey (Matthew), Johnathan (Reese), Natalie, Daniel (Olivia) and Laura. Great-grandchildren Hank, Paige, Helen (her namesake), Lucas and Katie. In Helen’s memory, please consider making a donation to The VFW or American Legion.