Helen Ann Escobar passed away at her home, early Tuesday morning, August 9, 2016 in Yerington, Nevada. She was 86.

Helen was born July 13, 1930 in Middletown, Rhode Island, the daughter of Jose Marques and Maria Silvia, who both immigrated from Portugal. In 1934, Helen, together with her mother and 4 siblings resided in Portugal, due to financial hardship. Five years later, the family was able to reunite with their father and spouse, Jose, who had stayed behind in Middletown. Helen was in 8th grade when her mother passed away, at which time Helen gave up her schooling to raise and care for her 10 siblings.

In 1953, Helen married her husband of 63 years, John Joseph Escobar, in Newport, Rhode Island, where he was stationed in the Navy. They raised their four oldest children in Newport until relocating to Fremont, California, in the early 60's to join Helen's brother Carlos. Shortly after arriving in Fremont, the couple had 2 more children and thus raising 6 children under 11. In addition, Helen supplemented the family's income by babysitting neighborhood children of all ages. Because of Helen, the Escobar house became a warm and welcome place where you always felt like family.
In 1968, at the age of 38, "Big" Janet Thomas, her neighbor/friend, taught Helen how to drive in Helen's 1949 Plymouth "Lizzie." The children would often ask their mom to drive them to school to which Helen would reply, "When I was your age, I had to trudge through 2 miles of waist high snow!" Even though school rides were out, the family still had great times in "Lizzie."
Once John retired in 1994, the couple, with encouragement of friends from Fremont, moved to Yerington, Nevada. Helen crocheted for the Women's Club for Yerington and discovered her great talent for oil painting. Her paintings will be admired and enjoyed for generations to come.

The couple enjoyed playing weekly Pinochle with Al and Rita Clark, "Big" Janet and Chuck Thomas, and others.
While John was recovering from his major stroke in 2007, Helen herself suffered a major stroke a year later. Her daughter, Susan, moved to Yerington to care for her ailing parents. After John's death in December 2015, Helen's health declined rapidly. Her daughter, Ellen, soon joined Susan in Yerington to care for Helen in the last months of her life.
Helen is pre-deceased by her husband John Joseph; and siblings - Manuel, Joseph, Maria Oneide, Palmira (Pam), Carlos, and John.
Helen is survived by siblings – Benilda (Bennie), Abilio (Bill), Ernesto (Ernie) and Antonio (Tony); children – John Joseph III and wife Stephanie, Janet Lee and partner Barbara Dutell, Susan Jean, Ellen Marie and Kenny Bernard, James Benjamin and wife Victoria, and Francis Anthony; her grandchildren – Adrianna, Alex, Jason, Jeremy, Maria and Nicole, 6 great grandchildren and godchildren, Mary Jo Alberts and Ann Michelle Taylor.

Helen's Memorial mass will be held 11:00 am Thursday, August 18th at the Holy Family Catholic Church. Inurnment will be held at Valley View Cemetery.

Family and Friends are invited to sigh her online guest book at www.FRFH.net, also sympathy cards may be sent directly to the family from this site.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911