Helen M. Donovan, 96 of Lompoc passed away Sunday, April 22, at Lompoc Hospital.

She was born September 9, 1910, in Santa Barbara to Thomas J. and Helen (Hourihan) Donovan. They Moved to Lompoc in 1912 where Helen attended school. She was a graduate of Lompoc High School and attended Santa Barbara teachers College.

Helen spent most of her life in Lompoc and the Santa Ynez Valley. During World War II Helen, like many others, was employed by Lockeed Boeing. She was very proud of the efforts so many women made for the war cause. Helen retired from McDonnell-Douglas as a supervisor after 18 years of employment in the aerospace industry.

Helen so enjoyed watching the children at Solvang Elementary playing outside games, laughing and having fun. Her life at the ranch was peaceful and serene. The door was always open and welcoming no matter who Tom brought in to dine.

Helen attended La Purisima Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Daughters. She had many friends from the mission who made her life so special. The family was her life and she made the most of it.

Helen is survived by three nieces, Peggy Dover of Lompoc, Bettie McClellan of Solvang, and Billie Ceriale of Santa Barbara; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be from 4 to 8 P.M. Thursday, April 26, at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with the Rosary at 5 P.M. A graveside service will be Friday April 27 at 2 P.M. at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery, with Monsignor John Fitzgerald of Queen of Angels Catholic Church officiating.

As adults we are amazed at what Tom and Helen did to make the world a better place and the charm of Ireland lives on.