Helen Carlson Krell died peacefully Sunday morning, Jan. 27, 2013, at the age of 98.

She has left a great legacy of faith, love, family and service to others.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Robert Krell, and is survived by their three devoted children, Nancy Cabot (John), Richard Krell (Catherine) and William Krell (Beverly, CA) and their cherished 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.

Helen was born in Chicago to Harry and Amanda Carlson on March 4, 1914. In 1935, she graduated from Lawrence College in Appleton, WI, where she met Bob, the love of her life. They were married in 1939 and lived in Park Ridge, IL, before moving to Geneva, where they lived for more than 50 years and raised their three children.

Helen was very active in the community: the Methodist Church, the Geneva Community Hospital and Gift Shop, a Sunday school teacher, PTA, PEO, AFS, Girl Scout leader and Meals on Wheels, to name a few.

She loved to play golf, tennis and bicycle. She and Bob traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world. She was a great cook and entertainer, and their home was always open and welcoming to everyone. Her greatest joy was her family, and she made each member feel so very special and loved.

In 2000 they moved to Rancho Mirage, CA, and then in 2005 to Pasadena to be closer to their children and grandchildren. After Bob's death in 2005, Helen moved into Villa Gardens, a retirement community in Pasadena, where she lived for six years and made many friends.

Her family and many friends will all miss Helen's beautiful smile, her contagious laugh, her sense of humor, her strong faith, her unconditional love and her great wisdom.

A celebration of Helen's life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the La Canada Presbyterian Church, La Canada, CA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

This notice is courtesy of Cabot & Sons, Pasadena, CA.