Helen Maynard

Helen Irene Maynard
born July 13, 1938 passed December 27, 2021.
Born in Iowa to Howard and Opal Thompson. She spent her first 18 years in Iowa with her parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother.
Helen graduated Valley High School in West Des Moines with honors at age 16 and attended Drake University in Iowa. She moved to San Jose, California on her own at the age of 18. She promptly got herself a job and an apartment and made a life for herself.
In 1959 she married Elwood Maynard. They were married for 34 years until he preceded her in death in 1994. Together they ran Sanger Sales in San Jose for over 35 years.
Helen loved to play pinochle and other games. She loved getting together with friends and talking to family and friends both in person and on the phone. Those of us that were close to her will miss those conversations so very much. Helen also loved to travel and see the world and never missed an opportunity to do so. She was more than happy to take family along as often as she could. We will miss all these times with her and cherish all the memories.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Opal Thompson, Her sister Carolyn Thompson and Her husband Elwood Maynard. She is survived by her brother Keith Thompson (Diane) of Sun City, Arizona, sister Wanda Koccur (Albert) of Des Moines Iowa, Daughter Kim Dorval (Mike) of Palmdale, California, son Michael Maynard of Chowchilla, California grandchildren Brian Snyder, Chris Snyder, Steven Snyder, Scott Snyder (Brittany), Alyssa Maynard, Caycie Maynard and great-grandchildren Jordan Snyder, Peighton Snyder, Jay Snyder, Hunter Snyder, Brooklynn Snyder, and Aurora Snyder.
Helen will be laid to rest at the Golden Gate National Cemetery with her husband.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to St. Jude's.