Helen Lawrence Coan

     Mom (Nanny) passed away July 12, 2017 at her home in Napa at the age of 92, in the comfort of her family.

     Born in Fresno, California on June 23, 1925 to Roy and Anna Alexander, she moved with her brother, Harold and her parents to Vallejo, California at an early age.  Helen attended Vallejo schools and graduated from Vallejo High School in 1943.  It was at Vallejo High School that she met and married the love of her life, Paul Lawrence.

     They raised their children, Merilyn and Larry in Vallejo where Helen was deeply involved with all aspects of their school and extracurricular activities.  Throughout her life, she was a regular attendee at ballgames, recitals, and other celebrations for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Helen was an avid sports fan, following  the radio/TV of the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, and PGA Tour.  Being an accomplished golfer herself, she registered three holes in one during her active years on the golf courses of Hidden Valley and Green Valley Country Clubs and many other courses/resorts throughout California, Arizona, and Hawaii.

     Helen particularly enjoyed traveling and cruising with her husband, Paul Lawrence and after his passing, continued her enjoyment of sea adventures with her second husband, Thomas Coan.

     Never short of an opinion, Helen was always available to her family; providing her loving guidance, support and encouragement.  Her unwavering devotion to her faith and family has been an inspiration to all of us who had known and loved her.

     We are all so saddened at the loss of our beloved mother, nanny, and friend, but we rejoice in the knowledge that she is now eternally at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Helen was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Lawrence, brother, Harold Alexander, and husband Thomas Coan.

    She is survived by her daughter Merilyn Rodgers, her son Larry Lawrence (Deborah), grandchildren: Lionel Rodgers, Michelle Rodgers, Leanne Haskins, Lauren Murphy, and Kristen Lawrence,  great grandchildren; Hallie Hoskins, Benjamin Hoskins, Peter Hoskins, Isabella Hoskins, Luke Healy, Liam Healy, Colt Lawrence Maloney, Brielle Murphy, and Madison Murphy and Gary Alexander (nephew) and Anne Tedrow (niece).

     A private graveside burial will be held at Skyview Memorial Cemetery in Vallejo, California.  Memorial Contributions may be made in her honor to:  Collabria Hospice, 414 South Jefferson Street, Napa, CA  94559.

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