Helen Marta Obituary

Helen Mary (Issa) Marta, 83, of El Dorado Hills, CA, formerly of Indian Head Park, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025. She is survived and missed by her devoted husband, Henry Anton Marta, children Leila (Tom) Noelle, Cathy (Steve) Durham, and Marie (Sam Faillace) Marta-Faillace; forever cherished and remembered by her grandchildren Joe and Lauren Noelle, James and John Durham, and Mia, Coco and Henry Faillace. She is also survived by her siblings, Souheila Franji, Sana Nassar, Suad (George) Noursi, Hilda (Nabil) Rabah, David Issa and Claire Mardini.

She was born Helen Mary Issa to Huda and Nimatallah Issa on December 18, 1941 in Bethlehem, Palestine, and lived in Jerusalem until she was displaced with her family as a result of the Nakba in 1948. Helen's family moved around to find refuge and continued to be impacted by war until she came to the United States in 1959. An acquaintance from the U.S. offered to host her so she could go to school. Upon coming to the United States, she attended East Moline High School and then Western Illinois University to study French. Later, Helen was introduced to Henry, who had also come from Palestine, went to school in the U.S. and was working. They married on August 24,1963 and soon started their family. Helen made her family the center of her life. Family and friends alike all found a safe and inviting warm environment in her home. Helen was a masterful cook and host, always going the extra mile to assure her guests were well taken care of. She loved her flower garden, which she and Henry tended to daily. Helen had elegant taste which she presented through her day-to-day style and home decorating. She was an artist at heart, whether sewing dresses for her girls, knitting scarves, or crafting the perfect meals. Above all, she adored her grandchildren. Every holiday, vacation, moment shared, she made each of them feel special and loved.

A Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Teta, Grandma and Friend, Helen Mary Marta will always be with us.

The Memorial is scheduled for August 8, 2025, 11:30 am at Holy Trinity Parish, 3111 Tierra de Dios Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen M. Marta's name to Middle East Children's Alliance (https://www.mecaforpeace.org/ways-to-give/).