Helen Yvonne Kinsey

Helen Yvonne Kinsey, 77, of Costa Mesa, CA, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, surrounded by family. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Anthony Pfannkuche; niece Katharine Pfannkuche; Niece and Nephew-in-Law, Madeline and Michael Wainstock, and their children. Helen is also survived by her dearest friends and companions for over 50 years, Patricia Puleo and Gaye Besler.

In Germany, Helen’s parents were married and she was born; her father, from Montana, was serving the US military, while her mother was a political refugee who escaped to Germany from Estonia. Helen traveled the world throughout her life. She loved learning and was proud of her accomplishments as an educator and leader; Helen attended El Camino Junior College then received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Cal State Fullerton. Much of Helen’s career was spent with the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District as a teacher and a principal; she served in six schools and was the founding principal of Lakeview Elementary School. Throughout her life and career, Helen was a friend to many; she maintained deep connections with friends and relatives in Montana, Estonia and around the world.

Helen will be remembered for her love of family, friends and neighbors; food, wine and music; learning, teaching and travel.

Always willing to lend a hand, Helen loved being involved with volunteer service; in retirement she dedicated many hours to Share Our Selves (SOS) in Costa Mesa. Loved ones wishing to remember Helen with a gift are asked, in lieu of flowers, to consider a donation to Share Our Selves shareourselves.org/donate/