06/24/1940 - 08/31/2024

Nancy Anne Helms, 84, resident of Madera since 1970, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in her home surrounded by loving family.

Nancy grew up in California and attended schools in Atherton and Coronado. She furthered her education at Colorado Women's College in Denver.

Nancy enjoyed playing classical and modern hits on her grand piano. Highlights of her childhood included playing for Liberace, who was a guest at her family home, and swimming in the Hearst Castle pools when it was still privately owned. She was the bookkeeper for the family farm and even drove the tractor once or twice. She was a lover of nature, enjoying gardening and watching birds and rabbits in her yard. She was involved with PTA and 4-H, and created a school library, while her children attended Ripperdan Elementary school. Later in life, she enjoyed volunteering at the Madera County Library. She and her husband were long time members of the Sierra Model A Ford Club, showing and touring their Model A Coupe and Fordor. They especially enjoyed hosting the Club's annual ice cream social. Anyone that knew Nancy was entertained by her quick wit and sense of humor. She will be missed dearly.

Nancy is survived by her brother William Sowles and her sister Gloria Boroff, daughter Robyn Nelson, daughter Patricia Allen and her husband Glenn, grandchildren Trevin Nelson and his wife Cristhian, Kaitlyn Allen, and Taylor Allen, and great grandchildren Trace and Clayton Nelson.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, daughter Diana, and brother David.

A private memorial will be held by the family. Donations can be made to Bristol Hospice.