Helene Minelli, 91, died Jan. 31, 2010. She was born on her parents’ small ranch in Schellville on Sept. 26, 1918. Helene zealously embraced life with a sense of adventure. Her mind was always in motion and her feet followed.
Her parents Maria and Adolph were from Germany. Helene graduated from Tule Vista Grammar School and Sonoma Valley High School. After graduation in 1937, she worked at the Swiss Hotel as a housekeeper and waitress until she found a better job with the telephone company working the nightshift as an operator manning the switchboard. She had memorable conversations with Mrs. Alma Spreckels who wanted to send her to San Francisco for singing lessons. Mrs. Spreckels believed she had a marvelous voice. Helene declined the generous offer, but continued enjoying their weekly conversations when Mrs. Spreckels needed her to dial a phone number.
Helene knew if the offer was for art classes, she might have accepted. Painting using any medium was what she wanted most since she was a child. It wasn’t until high school art classes she had the opportunity to use art supplies. Her artistic nature was a gift from her talented mother who taught her to see her world around her and enjoy its beauty, but times were tough so there was no money for pencils and paper to draw or paints to bring nature alive on the canvas.
She met the love of her life, Louie Minelli, while dancing at the Boyes Springs Bath House. On March 4, 1939, they married. Helene and Louie had three children. Later on, the couple opened their home and hearts to children who needed a home. Several children became lifelong members of the Minelli family.
Helene was a dedicated volunteer with boundless energy and spirit. She helped start the St. Francis Solano Mother’s Club, assisted in fundraisers for The Catholic Social Services and was also a hardworking member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and State Art Chairman. She participated in forming The Sonoma Valley Art Center and Gallery providing a valuable asset for artists. Helene founded the North Coast Viticulture Art Exhibit and Sales with Richard Kunde. To learn more about Helene’s art career view her Web site heleneminelliart.com
Helene was an excellent speaker and never shied away from addressing an audience sharing her knowledge on art or her beloved Sonoma Valley.
Art in all forms was in her blood, etched deeply in her thoughts as well as the love of her family; these two elements brought her great joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging, peace of mind, and blessed.
Helene was a true treasure, a great hostess with a bigger than life personality and she will be missed. Her family and friends are thankful for her inspiration and enthusiasm in a life well lived.
Helene is survived by her daughter, Carol DiGiulio (George) of Sonoma, sons, Michael Minelli (Lily) of Sonoma, Art Weyers (Sherry) of Sebastopol; grandchildren, David DiGiulio (Lisa) of Reno, Dino DiGiulio (Trina) of Sonoma, Christian Weyers of San Francisco, Scott Weyers of Santa Rosa, Jenna Weyers of Sebastopol, Anthony and April Minelli of San Jose, Michelle Minelli of Sonoma; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Danielle DiGiulio and Kasey Malchow of Reno, Chance and Corey DiGiulio of Sonoma; daughter in spirit, Beverly Silva Lawless (Hal deceased) of Grants Pass, Beverly’s four daughters Lisa, Lori, Leann, Linda and their children. Many nephews and nieces and grand-nephews and nieces, and good friends will also miss Helene.
Helene was preceded in death by her husband Louie, their son, Ernie, her parents, brothers, sisters, numerous nephews, and a niece.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Helene will be at Duggan’s Mission Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. Arrangements by Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476; 996.3655.
Our mother’s favorite salute, “Here’s to the mother of our race, who wore her fig leaf in the right and proper place. Here’s to Adam, father of us all, who was Johnny-on-the-spot when the leaves began to fall.”
