Donna Helliwell

Porterville, Calif.

Donna Marie Behrens Helliwell died on March 21, 2024 in the presence of family just four days shy of her 90th birthday. Donna was born March 25, 1934 in Minot, North Dakota to parents August Emil Behrens and Kirsten Marie Jensen Behrens. She was proceeded in death by her two younger sisters, Beverly Waite (Behrens) and Sharon Wilson (Behrens). The three sisters remained close throughout their lives and made a point to embark on an adventure together every few years.

Donna’s marriage to Thomas Newton Helliwell in 1954 produced three sons: Donald Thomas Helliwell (spouse Mary), David William Helliwell, and James Kendal Helliwell (spouse Cheryl), three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. One of her greatest joys in the last few years of her life was living near four of her great-grandchildren and having them pop into her house for fun conversations and crackers and for rides down the ramp from her front deck.

Donna Helliwell left Minot, North Dakota in 1971 with her three sons and moved to San Diego, CA. It was a huge change for the family and not without its struggles, but Donna got to work establishing her home and career. She gained employment with Wells Fargo Bank as an escrow assistant and quickly moved her way up to an escrow officer, eventually buying her own escrow company. Her career in escrow spanned more than 30 years during which time she began teaching escrow at San Diego City College, a work she enjoyed very much. Following her son, David’s, battle with cancer Donna joined the American Cancer Society, San Diego chapter where she served for many years.

In 2012 Donna moved from San Diego to Porterville, CA to be closer to family. It wasn’t easy to downsize and leave all that was familiar, but in time she made it her home. Her family will always remember the white convertible she purchased for fun in her later years and her furry companions always looking for treats. Donna kept up with holidays and birthdays, making sure that gifts were purchased, and the traditional decorations and food prepared. Her three sons each have favorite recipes from her kitchen and the handwritten recipe cards will be treasured. Donna loved shopping QVC from the comfort of her chair and listened to numerous detective novels when it became too difficult to read. One of her great-grandsons whom she called “Eenie” was the light of her later years. Her eyes would sparkle whenever he was near, and she loved the conversations with him and looked forward to seeing what kind of holiday decorations he would put up in her room. They shared a special relationship even with the 83 years difference between them and would always leave each other with a kiss on the cheek and a “Goodbye Sweet-Pea”. Donna lived a full life and will be remembered as a loyal and generous friend, and as a mother, a Grammy, sister and aunt devoted to her family.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 10, 2024.