Helen Anne Karlo

Helen Anne Karlo, 92, passed away on Sunday January 15 in San Francisco, surrounded by her loving family.

Helen was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 18, 1930, the oldest of two children of Naima (Rassam) and Paul Marshall.

Her father died in 1941 and the family moved to San Mateo when she was 11 years old.

Helen was an excellent student and graduated from Burlingame High School with straight A’s.

After High School Helen’s mother moved the family to San Francisco. It’s when she met her future husband Leo Karlo in 1950. They were married in September of 1951 and started their family in San Francisco. They soon raised Tom, Valerie and Michelle. In 1961 Leo and Helen moved the family to Millbrae and after the 3 children left the home, they moved to Orinda in 1986. Leo died in 1987 and she moved to Walnut Creek in 2003. Helen remained a widow until her passing on January 15th. 

Helen’s life was devoted to her family especially her grandkids and great grandkids. She loved theater, shopping, traveling, gardening, reading and family. She especially enjoyed traveling with her family and was able to visit 6 Continents.

She is survived by her three children Tom Karlo (Julie) of San Diego, Valerie Bodamer (Bill) of Walnut Creek, Michelle Baldridge (Barry) of Rose Bud, Arkansas; five grandchildren: Tom Karlo Jr. (Nicki), Kimberly Noland (Mark), Greg Karlo, Heather Bradburn (Andrew) and Daniel Baldridge (Catherine).  She also had 9 great grandchildren: Chase Karlo, Alyssa Noland, Caitlyn Noland, Leo Karlo, Aiden Bradburn, Haylee Bradburn, Liam Bradburn, Rowan and Corbin Baldridge. 

A private burial will be with immediate family and a celebration of life will take place in the summer 2023.

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