Marda Anne Helling

Marda Anne Helling, born on July 11, 1944, in Mineral Wells, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024, in Bend, Oregon. She was 80 years old.

Marda was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family. The oldest of five children, Marda grew up in a military family, living in various places around the world including Italy, Panama, El Paso, TX, Washington State, and Minnesota, where she graduated from Rosemount High School in 1962. She later moved to San Jose, California, where she earned a degree in Geography from San Jose State University in 1968.

During her college years, Marda worked at San Jose Parks and Recreation, a job she loved dearly. After graduating, she settled down in San Jose, where she started her family and lived until her retirement.

Marda dedicated much of her life to her children, working at Mervyns for more than 20 years so she could be close by and involved in school, sports and extracurricular activities. When she became an empty nester, she taught herself to type and entered the business world, eventually becoming an administrative assistant. She loved her job as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Symyx Technologies where she worked for 9 years, which allowed her to utilize her organizational skills and commitment to her work and colleagues.

An avid reader, Marda could be found most mornings, up first with a cup of tea and a book. Often reading more than a book a week, she enjoyed sharing what she’d read with her sisters and colleagues. 

After retiring, Marda and Larry moved to Roseville, California, where they resided until 2020 when they migrated to Bend, Oregon, to be closer to their daughter. In Roseville, Marda and Larry made many close friends and enjoyed an active social life, indulging in wine tastings, dinner parties, and other social gatherings that brought joy and companionship into their lives.

Marda is survived by her husband, Larry Helling; her son, Christian Helling, and his wife, Jana Glock, of Cupertino, California; her grandson, Ethan Helling of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her daughter, Michelle Helling, of Bend, Oregon; her brother Bryan Flemming and his wife Donna, of Minnesota; and sister Gayle Maisano and her husband Vince, of South Carolina. 

Marda is preceded in death by her parents, Damon and Marie Flemming; her sister, Karen (Karma) Flemming; and her brother, Allen Flemming, as well as her beloved dogs, Starsky and Trucker. Their memories lived on in her heart, and now she joins them in eternal rest.

Marda's legacy of love and compassion will be remembered and cherished by those who knew her. Her family and friends will miss her dearly but take comfort in the many wonderful memories they shared.

A memorial service open to all who knew and loved her will be held on Friday, September 20th, at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel in Rocklin, California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marda's honor to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Elverta California.

Rest in peace, Mom. You will forever remain in our hearts.