Helen Kardashian, born Helen Arakelian, was the beloved matriarch of the famous Kardashian family. Though she stayed out of the limelight herself, her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the life of this remarkable woman who helped shape one of the most influential families in pop culture today. From her early years to her role as a devoted wife and mother, we’ll explore Helen’s lasting impact.
Who Was Helen Kardashian?
Helen Kardashian was born on July 15, 1917 in Oakland, California. She was the daughter of Armenian immigrants who had fled the Armenian Genocide. Growing up, Helen learned the value of hard work, family loyalty, and maintaining cultural traditions from her parents.
Not much is publicly known about Helen’s childhood and early adult years. She attended local schools in the Oakland area. As a young woman, Helen focused on her family and community, as was common for women of her generation and background.
Family Background
Helen came from a close-knit Armenian family. Her parents instilled in her a deep pride in her Armenian heritage, even as they built a new life in the United States. Helen carried on many Armenian traditions in her own family, from food to holiday celebrations.
The emphasis on family solidarity that Helen learned from her parents became a core value that she passed down to her own children. Large, festive family gatherings were a staple of Helen’s household. Under her warm and capable leadership, the extended Kardashian family maintained strong bonds.
Marriage to Arthur Kardashian
The pivotal event in Helen’s life was her marriage to Arthur Kardashian. Of Armenian descent himself, Arthur shared Helen’s cultural background and family-centric values. The couple wed sometime in the late 1930s and settled in Los Angeles.
Together, Helen and Arthur built a tight-knit, loving household. Arthur worked as a successful businessman to provide for the family. Meanwhile, Helen managed the household and focused her considerable energies on raising their four children: daughters Barbara and Sandra, and sons Robert and Tom.
By all accounts, Helen and Arthur had a strong, supportive marriage. Their relationship set an example of loyalty and partnership for their children. Helen and Arthur were married for over 25 years until Arthur’s death in 1962.
Family Life and Children
Helen presided over a busy, boisterous household. With four children to raise, Helen had her hands full. However, she approached motherhood with boundless energy, warmth, and humor. Robert Kardashian, who would later become a prominent attorney, was especially close to his mother. In interviews, Robert credited Helen with teaching him the importance of family, hard work, and determination. These values served Robert well throughout his high-profile career and personal life.
Daughter Barbara was also heavily influenced by her mother’s example. Like Helen, Barbara maintained an extremely close and loyal immediate family. She passed down many of Helen’s cherished Armenian recipes and traditions to her own children.
Relatively little is publicly known about Helen’s other two children, Sandra and Tom. However, by all indications, they too shared close relationships with their devoted mother. The Kardashian siblings remained tight-knit throughout their lives, a testament to the family culture Helen created.
Cultural Influence on the Kardashian Family
As an Armenian-American family in mid-20th century Los Angeles, the Kardashians stood out culturally. Helen played a key role in shaping the family’s cultural identity. She took pride in her Armenian heritage and made sure to pass down important traditions.Food was one key way Helen maintained cultural ties. She was an excellent cook, known for her lavish Armenian feasts. Later, Helen’s grandchildren would speak fondly of the delicious Armenian dishes she prepared. Some of those recipes are still treasured by the Kardashian family today.
Helen also instilled the importance of family loyalty and solidarity. The Kardashians’ emphasis on family ties, even amid divorces and drama, echoes Helen’s lifelong focus on family unity. Her cultural legacy continues to shape the famous family.
Her Legacy and Impact
Though she never sought the spotlight herself, Helen Kardashian’s impact has been significant. Her enduring influence can be seen in the multiple generations that follow her.
Most notably, Helen’s emphasis on family closeness echoes down through her famous grandchildren. The Kardashian siblings and their children make family a clear priority, even living in close proximity to each other. Their shared businesses also reflect the family-centric values passed down from Helen.
Helen’s Armenian heritage also continues to be an important part of the Kardashian family identity. The family has supported Armenian causes and drawn attention to Armenian history and culture. This is part of Helen’s legacy.
Finally, Helen’s incredible work ethic and resilience also shaped the family. The drive and determination that propelled the Kardashians to fame and business success can be traced back to the example set by Helen and Arthur. Through challenges and successes, the family sticks together, a value exemplified by its matriarch.
Helen Kardashian’s Career
Helen Kardashian did not have a prominent public career of her own. Like many women of her time, Helen focused her considerable talents and energies on her family and household.
However, this does not mean Helen did not work hard in her own way. Raising four children and running a household was a major responsibility, requiring immense organization, patience and resourcefulness. Helen approached these duties with great capability and dedication.
Furthermore, Helen provided vital support that allowed her husband Arthur to pursue his business endeavors. By managing the home and family, Helen freed Arthur to focus on his career. Her behind-the-scenes labor was essential to the family’s overall success. While she did not have an outside career, Helen’s work within the family was hugely impactful. Her efforts created a stable, loving environment that nurtured the next generations of Kardashians. In that way, Helen’s career was one of immeasurable importance.
What Happened to Helen Kardashian?
Helen Kardashian passed away on May 21, 2008 at the impressive age of 90. She outlived her husband Arthur by over 45 years, a testament to her longevity and resilience.
In her later years, Helen remained close to her large extended family. She was a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother to many. Her famous grandchildren, including Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, often spoke highly of “Grandma Helen.”
Helen’s passing was felt deeply by her family. They remembered her as a lively, warm, opinionated woman who was utterly devoted to family. Grandson Robert Kardashian Jr. once shared a touching remembrance, writing “She was the greatest and I will never forget our laughs and good times.”
Though details of Helen’s final years are kept private by the family, it is clear she was cherished and well cared for. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind an incredible legacy of love, strength and family devotion. Her loss was mourned not only by her famous family, but also by the Armenian-American community in Los Angeles.
Remembering Helen Kardashian
Helen Kardashian may not have been a public figure like her famous descendants, but her impact and influence are undeniable. As the matriarch of the Kardashian family, Helen shaped multiple generations.From her Armenian heritage to her emphasis on family bonds, Helen created a legacy that continues to define the Kardashians today. Her descendants’ drive, success and loyalty to each other all reflect Helen’s guiding values.
Though she is no longer with us, Helen’s memory remains a cherished part of the Kardashian family history. She is remembered as a beloved grandmother, a capable and devoted mother, and a woman of great strength and warmth.
So while Helen Kardashian’s name may not make headlines, her quiet influence echoes through one of the most famous families in the world. As we remember this remarkable woman, we celebrate her lasting impact and the enduring power of the love and values she embodied.
Final Thoughts!
Helen Kardashian’s life serves as a beacon of inspiration. As the matriarch of the Kardashian family, her dedication to unity, love, and heritage has profoundly impacted the family’s values and traditions. Her influence continues to be felt even today.