Helen Cyril Renn

Helen Cashbaugh Renn September 28, 1909 - October 21, 1917 If you've met her - it's likely you'll never forget her. Because they truly did break the mold when they made Helen Cashbaugh Renn. Helen was a one-of-a-kind wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. In her 108 years she touched so many people's lives and left an imprint on each of them. Several words come to mind when describing Helen - words she didn't much like when people used them about her. But the one that fits best is just simply ... amazing. Helen was born in 1909 in Beaver Falls, PA where at 17 she met, eloped, and married Paul Renn. Helen and Paul had two children: Paul (Eddy) and Marilyn. Helen helped Paul run a family grocery store that kept their family and many others fed during The Great Depression. As a young mom Helen decided to visit California, so while Paul and her sister Margaret looked after the kids, she took off cross-country with two girlfriends in the rumble seat of a car. Helen fell in love with California and in 1945 convinced Paul to sell the business and move the family West. She spent many happy years in Bell and Downey, California and in 1964 moved to Lake San Marcos, a new development in northern San Diego county. The years at "The Lake" were some of her most memorable with friends, golf, patio boats, cards, and many a cocktail. She and Paul were some of the earliest residents of this idyllic enclave and all her grandkids have fond memories of their time with Mimi and Bubin on the course and on the lake. After Paul died in 1988, Helen remained in her Lake San Marcos home until just four years ago (at the age of 104 ) when she moved to Palm Desert's Atria to be closer to her daughter. Helen never wanted to set any kind of record. But as each year passed and she attracted more attention for her age and amazing health, she was often asked for her secret to a long life. She'd tell people she was just lucky, and then share a few secrets: She didn't believe in medicine or doctors. She was fiercely independent and wouldn't let anyone tell her what to do. And like her father, she believed in giving away whatever she had, and marveled at how she'd always get more back in return. When you live to 108, you've said goodbye to many loved ones. But if you were Helen, you also learned to make new, younger friends. On her 106th birthday KESQ's Brooke Beare's Facebook post about Helen garnered 109,000 "likes" from people all over the world who liked her secrets to longevity and wanted to wish her a happy birthday. Helen passed away peacefully on October 21, having recently celebrated her 108th birthday with a spare rib dinner, a glass of wine and some of her favorite people. Helen outlived her husband and siblings by many years. She is also preceded in death by her son Paul Renn. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn Jones; son-in-law Trevor Jones; 8 grandchildren: Martha Bowman (John), Trevor Jones (Julie), Mark Jones (Nancy), Paul Renn (Amy), James Renn, Carrie Woodley (Doug), Kristen Govindraj (Sujit) and Luellen Renn; 13 great-grandchildren; her niece Paula Askanas; many great nieces, nephews, and godchildren; her devoted caregiver Wendy Cortez, and her many Lake San Marcos Lions Gate neighbors. A private family burial will take place at San Marcos Cemetery and a celebration of life will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Helen Cyril Renn

September 28, 1909 - October 21, 2017