Helen Marchese was born in Santa Clara California, August 3rd, 1946. She grew up living on Lawrence Station Road. Worked on the family farm from a very young age, instilling a work ethic that has held her in good steed to the present. Her late husband was Eddie Owen. She has two sons, Chris and Dominic, three grandchildren from Chris and his wife Tami, Nicholas, Kayla and Bailey. Four grand-daughter from her son Dominic: Jolena, Cheyenne, Kalista and Charlotte. Her Brother is Chris Marchese with wife Lisa, four children, Joey, Elise, Paulina and Andrew. These people make up her immediate and very close knit family. It is not uncommon for all of them to spend holiday vacations together in Hawaii, Disneyland or Disney World.
Another tenet instilled in the Marchese family by Helen's grandparents and carried on by every succeeding generation, is the importance of giving back to the community. Helen is an active member of many organizations. She is a past president of Santa Clara University's Catala Club, past board member of the de Saisset Museum, past President of Santa Clara University's Board of Fellows and a member of the Board of Regents. She is an active member of the Valle Monte League, The American Cancer Society's Grand View League, The Caritas Society of Catholic Charities, President O'Connor Hospital Foundation Board, past Chair for County of Santa Clara Province of Florence Sister County Commission, which honored her as the 1997 Medici Citizen of the Year Award, past President HOPE Board of Trustees of HOPE Services, co-Chaired HOPE's first Concourse de HOPE raising almost $400,000.00 and Chair of the Board, JW House. Helen’s proudest personal accomplishment other than her children and grandchildren, was raising over $50,000.00 for the Leukemia-Lymphoma San Diego "Rock-N-Roll" Marathon, completing the marathon and winning the first annual Wilt Chamberlain award.
The Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives honored Helen as Volunteer Fund Raiser of the Year in 1997. In cooperation with the Junior Leagues of San Jose and Palo Alto/Mid-Peninsula and San Jose Magazine, Helen was honored as one of eighteen women in 2000 who make a significant difference in the community. 2001 recipient of the Nicholas Green Humanitarian Award presented by the Italian American Heritage Foundation. 2001 recipient of the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year-Silicon Valley Award for raising over $100,000.00
In every position she undertakes, Helen is a hands-on volunteer. Just as often as you may find her sitting at a Board of Director's conference table reviewing budgets and forecasts, or in a designer ball gown during a charity event, you will also find her before or after the event in casual attire carrying ladders, moving furniture, scenery or props-whatever is required for a successful event. Helen credits the support given by her family as the secret to her success as a volunteer.
Helen’s Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Archbishop Mitty High
School Emeritus Board Member
Boy Scouts of America 2007 Citizens of the Year Award along with husband Eddie
Catholic Charities Caritas Member
Childrens Musical Theatre Board Member and Development Chair
Cristo Rey High School Advisory Board
Hope Services Since 1989 involved on Foundation Board Fundraising, Past Chair of Events and Co-Chair of 2015 Events
JW House Founding President raised the 2.5 million to build the house. Continuing as advisor. Italian American Heritage Foundation Member
Leukemia & Lymphoma Wilt Chamberlain “Rock N Roll” Marathon Gold Record Recipient
2000 Women of the Year 2001
Little Italy San Jose Founding Board Member current Chair of Advisory Board
Morgan Autism Advisory Board Notable Music & Arts Advisory Board
O’Connor Hospital Foundation Board