Helen was born on July 11, 1933 in Logan, West Virginia to Chester and Nancy Bland. Helen grew up in Indianapolis and attended Broad Ripple High School. She later attended St. Lukes School of Nursing in Chicago and became a registered nurse, after which she married Uygur in 1955.  She later received a B.S. in Nursing from University of Illinois and a M.S. in Nursing from Loyola University of Chicago, residing in the Chicago area for almost 40 years.  Her nursing career included work in head trauma, gerontology, and home health care specialties. Outside of work and raising three children, she found time to be active as a Cub Scout Den Mother, PTA member, always finding a way to stay active.

Helen was described as a “happy bottle of champagne” full of life and smiles.  A living example of Newton’s “a body in motion stays in motion”, she was always on the go.  Her many retirement activities included spending time with her family and friends, traveling the world, reading, art and culture appreciation, singing in her church choir, playing bridge (2-3 times a week!), taking classes, swimming, sailing, playing ping pong, and volunteering (most recently with Uygur at the Saddleback Memorial Hospital).  

Helen was an active admirer of art throughout the world. After retiring to Venice, Florida with Uygur in 1991, Helen became a long-time docent volunteer at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.  She always enjoyed learning about different artists and their styles, and never missed an opportunity to visit an art museum when traveling.  She also learned to sail in the Gulf of Mexico and was an active member of the "Bitter Ends" - Venice Women's Sailing Squadron for many years.

Helen and Uygur later moved to California in 2017, where they lived close to most of their family. 

A celebration of life will be planned once gatherings are again permissible.   

In lieu of flowers please consider making a charitable donation to:  MemorialCare Hospice & Palliative Services, which can be made through Saddleback Medical Center Foundation:Online:   
Visit memorialcare.org/smcf and click GIVE NOW, OR  click here: https://www.memorialcare.org/saddleback-medical-center-foundation/give-now Select Hospice & Palliative Services in the Designation drop-down menu.   
Complete the tribute information at the bottom of the form. e.g., “In Memory of Helen Gokbudak”

Or by Mail:
Saddleback Medical Center Foundation
Gift Processing Center
PO BOX 2665
SEAL BEACH, CA 90740-1665

Please write “Hospice” and “In memory of Helen Gokbudak” in the memo of the check.

Saddleback Medical Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that raises funds exclusively for Saddleback Medical Center, a community-based, nonprofit hospital in Laguna Hills, California. Tax ID #33-0011887