Helen Frances Merrifield

Helen Frances Merrifield, a 55-year resident of La Cañada, California, passed away at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Fred Merrifield; their three daughters and sons-in-law, Judith Wright, Nancy Kisacky (Mitch), and Sandra Caulfield (Thomas); seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and brother, Chuck Abarta.

Helen was born in Burbank, California in 1931 to Daris and Helen Abarta, a Glendale pioneer family. As a child, she enjoyed playing the violin. As a teen, she attended Glendale High School where she was active in ballet and dance. It was then that she met the love of her life, and in 1952 was wed to Fred Merrifield.

Helen and Fred moved to La Cañada in 1958, where they raised their family of three girls. She was always surrounded by many generations of family as family was her entire life. Everything she did in life was for her family, whether it was as a Girl Scout Leader for her children, taking family vacations, or just sharing a welcoming smile for the grandkids each day after school. Zama, as she was known to all the grandkids, was always available with a simple phone call. She was a beloved wife, a devoted mother, and a treasured grandmother and great-grandmother. We will always love you, Zama.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15, 2013 at 12:30PM at Forest Lawn, Wee Kirk o' the Heather, in Glendale.