Helen Sorensen was born November 28, 1924 and went home to be with Jesus Christ her savior on August 19, 2012.
Helen grew up in Oakland California, the younger of two daughters to parents Carl and Freda Johnson. She dedicated her life to Christ when she was 8 years old while attending Oakland Covenant Church. Following her graduations from Oakland High School and Junior College, Helen worked for over 11 years as a secretary in the Alameda County Probation Office. She met Hervy Sorensen in 1956 and they were married at Berkeley Covenant Church on January 25, 1958.
Helen and Hervy moved to Turlock in 1960 and have resided there since. Helen was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her greatest love was for her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. She served Him with a kind and gentle spirit, and the testimony of her life provides an enduring example of what it means to live surrendered, devoted, and obedient to Christ. A charter member of Monte Vista Chapel, Helen was active in church ministries and community outreach programs for over 30 years; teaching sunday school, playing the piano, serving on the funeral committee, and providing home-delivered meals to people in need through the local Meals on Wheels association. Helen will be long remembered as simply and consistently compassionate, for all people; and also, for her amazing brownies and the ever-present ice cream pie in her freezer. She will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in the fact that she has gone before us to spend eternity with her Savior in heaven.
Helen is survived by her husband of 54 years, Hervy; daughters and their husbands, Carla and Allan Merrill of Turlock, Kristen and Troy Viss of Turlock; grandchildren and their spouses, Jordan and Kate Merrill of Arroyo Grande, California, Luke and Frida Merrill of London, England; grandchildren Elan Viss, and Ana Viss; and great granddaughter Milla Ann Merrill. She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Freda Johnson, and sister Margaret (Peg) Johnson. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 24 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 25 at 1:30 p.m. Both will be located at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd. in Turlock.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in memory of Helen Sorensen to: Community Hospice, 2201 Euclid Ave. Hughson, CA 95326Missions Fund c/o Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave. Turlock, CA 95380 Turlock Gospel Mission, Homeless Assistance Ministry P.O. Box 1231 Turlock, CA. 95381-1231
