Mary Helen Gilmore, age 90, passed away December 28, 2018, at her residence in Orland, CA. Helen was born on February 24, 1928, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Clayton and Hazel Frailey.

At a young age, Helen and her family moved to Weed, CA, for a couple of years. In 1940, the family moved to Orland, CA, where Helen eventually lived with her dad and was responsible for cooking the meals and cleaning the house. She obtained her driver's license at the age of 14 which was necessary for her to attend high school. She graduated from Orland High School in 1946.

Helen worked at a local pharmacy and a small restaurant while attending high school. After her marriage and her children began school, Helen went to work at the Orland Orange Growers' Association where she packed oranges. She also worked on the olive belt and eventually became a USDA Olive Inspector at Musco's Olive Plant in Orland.

Helen was an excellent cook and seamstress and enjoyed gardening. She loved to spend time fishing, camping, and vacationing with her family. She also looked forward to spending time with family and friends at the Mill Creek cabin. Helen, Maggie Bay, and her sister-in-law Pauline Gilmore spent many hours working on crafts which is apparent by the many items throughout the family homes.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, George L. Gilmore, and her son, Michael G. Gilmore. She is survived by two daughters, Judy (Dennis) Nunes of Cottonwood and Janet (Joe) Bena of Weimar; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren and an additional great grandchild expected to arrive in March.

Services will be Monday, January 7, 2019, at Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary in Orland at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery, Orland. A reception will follow at the Orland First Baptist Church. Memorials can be made to Enloe Hospice or a charity of your choice.