San Rafael

Helen Loretta Sitchler, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on the 26th of September 2024 at the age of 86. Born onDecember 17th, 1937 in San Anselmo, California. Helen was known for her love of the outdoors, kindness, support, and unwavering love for God and her family and friends.

Helen was a Marin native, graduating from Dominican College in 1959. While working at the Fairfax movie theater, she met Carl Sitchler, and they married in 1963. They began their family and shortly after moved to Santa Venitia, a neighborhood in San Rafael, Ca. She worked at the Emporium store at Northgate Mall for numerous years and continued to work for many years after Macy’s took over the location. After retiring, she remained in touch with many ofher work friends and took pride in organizing annual get togethers.

Helen loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker and walker. Perfect for living in beautiful Marin County. Muir Woods and Samuel PTaylor and China Camp parks were a few of her favorite places. She enjoyed gardening and having lunch with Carl in their backyard patio.

She was active in Girls Scouts of America and held positions of troop leader and national delegate. In September of 2013, the Steering Committee presented Helen Sitchler with the very first Honorary Lifetime Member Award for her “Extraordinary service, attendance, and dedication to GSA”.

Helen was also a member of the China Camp Heritage Committee. She began to volunteer at the China Camp Museum in 1996 and became Head Docent in 2005. She was Board Secretary from 1998 until 2015. She remained an active board member and chair of the annual Heritage Day event until her passing.

Helen is survived by her husband Carl Sitchler of 61 years, children Julie, Wesley (Kelly), Nancy and Anthony (Kristin), grandchildren Tyler, Kyle (Andi), Zach and Jada, along with her sister Claire Villa (John), who will forever cherish her memory.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held on November 26th at St. Isabella church in San Rafael. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to “Friends of China Camp” (friendsofchinacamp.org) and the “Girls Scouts of America” (https://www.girlscouts.org/) in her honor.

Helen’s warmth, wisdom, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Cremation services lovingly provided by the Neptune Society of Northern California.