Helen Kustka Berlew

Helen Kustka Berlew, a resident of Petaluma since 1971, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016. She was born in Lovelady, Texas on July 30, 1928, the youngest child of Peter and Anna Hazl Kustka and last surviving member of the family. When Helen was five years old, the Great Depression and Texas drought resulted in the family relocating to New York but she always considered herself a Texan. A WWII bride, she married William D. Berlew and moved to California for work. Bill retired with 38 years as a correctional officer at San Quentin Prison and Helen retired from the United States Postal Service. Their only child, William D. Berlew III, died in an automobile accident in 1969 and Bill passed away in 2002. Helen was an adventurous lady with a quick wit and laughter. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and the ocean. She had been co-queen of several local Red Hat Society Chapters, a member of the Red Hat Foxes and an Honorary Member of The BEARables in Houston, Texas. She attended the NW Funvention until travel became difficult. Helen enjoyed playing board games or cards with her many friends. A Virgil service was held at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory with Fr. Michael Culligan officiating. Her ashes were place in the family plot with her husband and son at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in San Rafael. The services were provided by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory. Helen's special friends, Dawn Richards and Kit Foster have planned a Celebration of Helen's Life to be held on June 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Petaluma Moose Lodge, 300 English Street, Petaluma. Friends are invited to attend and share memories of Helen. She will always be in our hearts and just a memory away. Celebration of Life

Petaluma Moose Lodge

Wednesday, June 08, 2016 2:00 PM 300 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 Directions