Helen Pauline Kahle

Helen Pauline Kahle passed peacefully from this world Jan. 31, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She personified compassion, optimism and grace towards everyone she encountered during her long life.

Born Oct. 4, 1922, Helen graduated from El Monte High School in Southern California and was a longtime resident of Saratoga. She participated in many volunteer and community-related activities such as P.E.O., Baylands Nature Preserve volunteer, Montalvo, and was a silver member of the Saratoga Foothill Club. Her Christian faith was central to her life and was reflected in her long service with the Women’s circle, Deacon’s pantry and Auxiliary at the Saratoga Federated Church.

Helen and her husband, John, spent many adventurous and fulfilling years when he was working with the foreign service of the U.S. Department of State. Her winning smile and graceful manner were effective in promoting these efforts.

From first to last, Helen’s life revolved around her family. Whether she was making cookies or planning a reunion, family came first. She was deeply loved by her large and fun-loving family — children, step-children and grandchildren alike.

Helen is survived by her loving husband, John; devoted children, Bob Mason, Jim Mason, Jim Kahle, Ellen Kahle Evans, Dan Mason, Leslie Kahle Scorpiniti and Bill Kahle; grandchildren, Christine Brieanna Mason, Roger Mason, Jackie Mason Malek, John and Erin Kahle, Erik Thom, Scott, Jack, Grant and Cameron Kahle; great-grandchildren, Sophia and Drake Leis, Ryan Mason, Lincoln Thom, Eliza Kahle Jones, Mason Malek and Owen Kahle.

Services are Thursday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Saratoga Federated Church, Saratoga, Calif.