Helen Marie (Sikorski, Benson) Schilbe

July 2, 1921 – April 10, 2021

Helen Marie Schilbe passed peacefully in her 100th year at her care home in Rocklin, CA, from complications of COVID-19. A native of San Francisco, Helen became a fearless adventurer swimming and playing King of the Hill in the dunes at Ocean Beach, roller skating down the avenues of the Outer Sunset District, climbing the cliff to Sutro Mansion, and sneaking into Fleishhaker Pool. A Polytechnic High School graduate, Class of 1939, Helen was in the Office Staff Club which led to secretarial school and ultimately to a career as an executive secretary.

Helen married her first husband, Bertil Gustav Benson, on May 2, 1942, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, during WWII before he shipped out to New Guinea for three years. Their love of dancing brought them together, jitterbugging, or ballroom dancing at San Francisco’s fine hotels. They had two children together: Paul and Julie. Helen had a flair for fashion, color, and impressive sewing abilities leading her to win the 1957 regional Singer Sewing Machine Sew-Off contest and compete in the finals in New York City. She sewed well into her 90s. Helen married the love of her life, Herbert Harold Schilbe, in San Diego, CA, on January 21, 1970, and they set off on many adventures together. They traveled and moved often. They designed, built, and sold custom homes. Helen’s flair for design and color had her working with architects and choosing exterior and interior components while Herb sold the homes. Avid golfers, they belonged to the Eugene Country Club in Oregon (1986-1996), where Helen made three hole-in-ones. Next, in Santa Rosa, they belonged to the Oakmont Golf Club. A true team, “Herbie’s” passing in 2002 was the only way he would leave his “Wild Mouse” Helen.

After Herb’s passing, Helen returned to San Francisco where she swam daily at Bay Club at the Gateway and at 90 walked from the Ferry Building to the Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill and back again. Helen was spunky, tough, and part of the greatest generation. She will be missed and remembered by many.

Helen is survived by her son, Paul Edward (Kathleen Walsh) Benson of Inverness, CA, daughter, Julie Ann (Gregg) Christensen of Rocklin, CA, her grandchildren Joshua Benson, Matthew Walsh, and Linnea Christensen and by her three beautiful great-grandchildren, Dylan, Isabella, and Eric. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Ella and Bruno Sikorski, siblings, Raymond and Wanda and former husband Bert Benson.

No services are planned. Cremation Society of Placer County 916-550-4338. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends.

We hope our greatgreat-grandchildren find this and enjoy.