Helen R. Smith

Helen R. Smith of of Greenbrae, Calif. died May 23. She was 88.

Born April 9, 1925 to Anthony Rupnik and Mary Pogacnik Rupnik, in Bridgeville, Pa. she graduated from Bridgeville High School in 1942.

She worked for a time during World War II in a machine shop. She relocated to the Bay Area in 1943. She also worked at Standard Oil, Cal Ink and the Lawrence Livermore Radiation Lab at Cal Berkeley with Dr. Glenn Seaborg.

She met her husband of 62 years, Paul, and they were married at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Oakland, Calif. in 1951. Together they raised their seven children: Paul, Mark, Brian, Sarah Jane Savage, Stuart, Daniel and Mary Ellen Wendt.

She was preceded in death by husband, Paul, on May 4, and son Mark, in 1999.

She also is survived by her brother Bernard (Ben) Rupnik of Bridgeville, Pa.

Smith enjoyed bowling and she belonged to several leagues in Marin for nearly 40 years until 2011 . She was proud of her numerous 200+ scores well into her 70s.

Her other passions included flying a Piper Cub as a 15 year old, and traveling the world to visit Canada, Europe, Asia, Israel and the Vatican. She was a devoted fan of the World Champion SF Giants and the 49ers. She enjoyed her morning walks along the Corte Madera Creek.

She was a devote and faithful member of Saint Sebastian Catholic Church in Greenbrae.

A Rosary and funeral Mass were held May 28 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church.