Feb. 14, 1940 – May 15, 2026
Helen Elizabeth McKenzie of Mount Shasta peacefully transitioned from this life on May 15, 2026, at the age of 86. Though she is no longer with us, her joyful spirit, infectious laugh, and unwavering love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Helen was born on February 14, 1940, in Yreka, California, to William and Sybil Walden. She was raised in Mount Shasta and graduated from Mount Shasta High School before marrying the love of her life, Skye McKenzie, in 1960. Together they shared a beautiful life and welcomed two daughters, Bobbi and Robbi. Following Skye’s tragic passing in 1975, Helen devoted herself to raising her family and remained a loving and independent woman for the rest of her life.
Throughout her career, Helen worked at United California Bank (later Bank of America) and Bruno’s Garage, where she was known for her strong work ethic and friendly personality.
Helen embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved snowmobiling, playing pinochle, shopping, soaking up the sunshine(tanning). She never met a piece of jewelry she didn’t like and was rarely seen without her makeup perfectly applied and her hair beautifully styled. She enjoyed her Pepsi and Coors Light, treasured the trips to the Oregon coast-especially Brookings- and was a devoted fan of both the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. Above all, she cherished her friendships and the people she loved.
Family was the center of Helen’s world. She was a devoted mother who never missed an opportunity to support her daughters. Whether it meant driving through rain, ice, or snow, she was always there for Robbi’s basketball games and for every important moment in her daughters’ lives. Her love, encouragement, and loyalty never wavered.
Helen took immense pride in her family and especially adored her granddaughters, Laci Zimmerman of Dunsmuir and Lindsey Roth(Derek Fintz) of Mount Shasta. Her four great-grandchildren brought her endless joy: Kyra and Kaden Zimmerman, and Macie and Dracen Fintz, all of Mount Shasta. Nothing made her happier than spending time with them.
She is also survived by her siblings, Bob Walden and Nancy Gamez, and her niece Nikki Gamez.
In her final years, Helen was lovingly cared for by her daughter Bobbi, whose devotion allowed her to remain in the comfort of her own home. Surrounded by Bobbi, her granddaughters, and her great-grandchildren, Helen passed peacefully, enveloped by the love of the family she cherished so deeply.
Helen’s kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and fun–loving spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
sourced from Mt Shasta Chapel
