Helen Miriam (Adams) Down was surrounded by her family during her final week before she passed peacefully, on September 17, 2017, to join her husband of 68 years, Raymond Frank Down Sr. and the rest of her heavenly family. Helen was born on April 25, 1926, in St. John's, Newfoundland to Helen and Harold Adams. She was the eldest of three sisters.

Helen met the dashing Ray Down at the USO at Fort Pepperrell where he was serving in the US Army Air Corp. They were married August 20, 1945, and the adventure began. He was the love of her life and center of her universe for the next 68 years, as she was for him. Over the next 40 years, they would live in Newfoundland, France, Japan, California, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and finally California. Twenty-six years ago, they retired to Lompoc where they joined St. Mary's Episcopal Church, volunteered at the hospital, played bridge, welcomed family visits and made new friends.

Helen and Ray are survived by their four children, Carol (Down) Molina; Raymond Down Jr. and wife Alice; David Down and wife Patti; and Lisa (Down) Micucci and her husband Mark. Their grandchildren are Donald Molina (Lynette), Joseph Molina, Rilyn Down Arries (Brett), Robert Down (Kellie), Laird MacDonald, Adam Down, Patrick Down, William Down, Mary Down Lara (Nick), Megan Down Grippo (Vinny), Bonnie Micucci Boyle (Michael), Kevin Micucci (Elizabeth), and Sean Micucci. She has 13 great-grandchildren: Emmet, Dakota, Kylee, Fisher, Malin, Ayden, Jonathan, Avery, Sarah, Ryan, Gregory, Anthony, and Ila Jo. Helen is survived by her sister Winnie Batina of Longmont Colorado. Her younger sister Hilda preceded her in death.

Helen was a true "home maker." Her husband's career in the military meant that the family moved often. Ray generally went on ahead while Helen packed up the household and family, secured the transportation and oversaw the move. As challenging and stressful as that was, it was always an adventure, and one where the children always felt safe and secure. She helped the family adjust to the new surroundings and always made it feel like home. In their new communities, they bowled, played bridge, went camping and supported their children's activities. Vacations were usually spent traveling to visit their families in Newfoundland and Colorado.

Family was Helen's life: she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and friend. And she was the heart of the family for all of us. She was an accomplished baker and cake decorator, and her grandchildren always anticipated their birthdays to see what Grandma would design for this year's cake. The wedding cakes she created for many family weddings were masterpieces. Her holiday cookies, treats and fruit cakes were amazing and many of her recipes are now part of our holiday traditions; her dark fruit cake will live on in infamy. And how she could knit and crochet! All of our homes are graced with her lovingly created afghans that we treasure and snuggle in on cool evenings. Holidays in the Down home were joyous occasions to gather friends and family. As a matter of fact, any dinner with Mom and Dad meant good food and interesting conversation. They rarely missed a baptism, birthday, graduation, or wedding, and attended numerous performances and athletic events as well.

At this time of remembrance, we reflect on a life well lived, full of joy, love, family and friendship. Her children always knew what home was, felt safe and never worried; she was their rock. Whether it was camping in the mountains, or at Refugio Beach, visiting family or staying at her home, she always made you feel welcome and loved. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed her constant unconditional love and experienced true love in the way she and Ray constantly showed their affection for each other, holding hands and caring for each other. If you were lucky enough to spend the night at their house, you always experienced the "I love you," followed by three good-night kisses. Together they showed two new generations how to love each other.

A special thank you to daughter Lisa for lovingly overseeing Helen's care. With the help of caregivers Espie Carillo, Martha Carrillo, and Maria Nunez Helen received 24/7 care since Ray's passing four years ago. They made her life richer in every way. And a special thanks to the extended Lompoc family and friends, including everyone from St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Dr. Rollin Bailey and other dedicated nurses and physicians at Lompoc Valley Medical Center. You all made her life so rich and her faith so strong that, in the end, she was at peace when she passed on to join her Lord in heaven.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church, 2800 Harris Grade Road, Lompoc, California at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Helen's memory to Saint Mary's Episcopal Church, the Lompoc Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice.