Helen Louise Manchester Smith was born on November 4,, 1930, in Covina, California, to Price & Alice Manchester & older sister Joyce Manchester Masters. She passed away in Laguna Hills on October 13, 2015, just missing her 85th Birthday.

Helen is survived by Daughters Dianne Louise Smith, Debra Joyce Fuller (husband Jim Fuller), and Heidi Lynn Deegan (husband John Deegan); Grandchildren: Michael Deegan, Lauren Deegan Gudino (husband Ernie Gudino), Keean Deegan (fiancé David Martinez), Patrick Deegan (fiancé Carla Barrera), and Amber Fuller Clements (husband Mark Clements); Great-Grandchildren: Natalie & Lila Gudino, Kayla & Hailey Deegan, and Cady & Calvin Poderzay. She also leaves behind her dear Cousin Jerry Thompson (wife Nancy, daughter Angie, fiancé Scott Bystrom, their son Jacob) and Cousin Dick Thompson (wife Sylvia, daughters Kim, Paige & Agrie). Joellen Masters Keating was Helen's only niece, and she "enhanced" the family with 10 more children!

Helen was a teacher by profession, but she really had a gift for it, and put her whole heart into whatever she taught. She loved playing her violin, the ocean, gardening, sewing & quilting, painting, reading, traveling, art, architecture & design, and surfing (the net!).

Helen grew up and lived in Covina, California for most of her life, but was very excited to move to Orange County 12 years ago and be closer to the ocean. She loved Main Beach Laguna so much, she requested that her ashes be scattered in the ocean there.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service for Helen Louise Smith on:

Saturday, October 24, 2015 11:00 a.m.

McCormick and Son Laguna Hills

25002 Moulton Parkway

Laguna Hills, CA 92653

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association, or

Relay for Life: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY16CA?team_id=1944744&pg=team&fr_id=74016