Helen B. McCrary

Helen Breeland McCrary, of Fremont, California passed away on March 25, 2017 at the age of 80. Helen was born to parents John, and Otera Breeland in Columbia, Mississippi on August 24, 1936. She grew up in Algiers, Louisiana, where she attended Behrman High School, and graduated in 1954, 2nd in her class. On December 20, 1957, Helen married her high school sweetheart Jewel McCrary. They were married almost 60 years. After getting married, Helen and Jewel made their way from Algiers, Louisiana, to Wichita, Kansas, to Topeka, Kansas, to Los Angeles, CA, and ended up in Fremont, CA where she worked as an employee for the Welcome Wagon. During her time there, she would visit new women in town and welcome them to the city by giving them gifts from different retailers in that area. Helen also worked at Peterbilt and Ohlone College. Later on in life, Helen decided to go back to school. She graduated June 17, 1989 from Cal State Hayward, with honors, Summa Cum Laude, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Human Relations. Helen is survived by her loving husband Jewel McCrary, her son Richard McCrary, her daughter-in-law Laura McCrary, her two grandsons, Daniel Valluzzi and Dylan McCrary, and her two sisters, Carolyn Bowers (husband Albert), and Virginia Carr (husband Lionel), and other family, including her sister in law Esther Fielden and nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Otera, and her three brothers, Elmo, Ansel and J.D Breeland. The family wishes to thank our special friends, Tom Meyer and his family for their help, loving support, and friendship. Helen loved God, and attended Unity Christian Church. She was a loyal and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed reading, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with family. She was a big Golden State Warriors basketball fan and also enjoyed watching baseball. Helen was a thoughtful and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She loved having family over for holidays and celebrations. She insisted on caring for everyone around, and always thought of what others needed before herself. She was encouraging to her family, and supported them any way she could. We will deeply miss her, her gorgeous smile and everything she gave to those around her. A memorial service for Helen will be held at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1st. The address is 40842 Fremont Blvd., 94538 Fremont, CA. There will be a reception immediately following for family and friends.