Obituary of Helen Meissner

Helen Meissner June 19, 1937-March 1, 2023

 Helen was born June 19, 1937, in Lancaster, California and raised by her parents, Frank and Virginia Yslas.

She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members in Santa Barbara, Ca on March 1, 2023, at the age of 85, after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Helen met the love of her life, David Meissner, when she was 17 years old. Together, Dave and Helen built their business and worked together in Real Estate. Helen was a devout Catholic and her life was centered around serving Christ. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and traveling around the world. Helen was compassionate and Christ-like. Her heart was generous and giving, centered around faith and family. She would buy groceries for her tenants when they were struggling and instructed her children and grandchildren of the importance of humility and giving. Helen loved Mariachi’s and Mexican traditions.

Helen is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dave Meissner, along with six children: Patricia, Donna, Sharon, David Jr., Cynthia, and Teresa. 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Julie, Jacquie, Sabrina, Ashley, Monique, Helen, Nicole, Victoria, Kevin, Paige and eight great-grandchildren Emma, Ava, Aubrey, CJ, Sofia, Esperanza, Brady, Carter, along with a large extended family. Helen will always be remembered as the Matriarch of the family.  

A Rosary Vigil will be held on Monday April 3, 2023, at 7:00 PM at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5444 Hollister Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93111

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM to be immediately followed by a Reception in The Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen's name to St. Helen's Catholic Church, Fresno, Ca. Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

Arrangements entrusted to McDermott-Crockett Mortuary