Denise Lynn Hellman Weber

Denise Lynn Hellman Weber, cherished mother, sister, aunt and partner, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023, at the age of 66.

She was born in Anchorage, Alaska on August 5, 1956, to Sharron and Duane Hellman.  She grew up in Sonoma, California as the oldest of five children, and often stepped proudly into the role of mother and protector of her siblings while both their parents were hard at work.  She was an excellent student and a graduate of Sonoma Valley High School, class of 1974.   She worked at several local restaurants as a young woman, including managing A&W and working as a cook at Zino’s.  

She stayed mainly in California’s bay area throughout her life, including Sonoma, Marin, and many years in her beloved San Francisco with her devoted life-partner Brad Weber, before relocating to Vacaville for the past couple of years with her son and daughter-in-law.     

Denise was an old-fashioned girl who loved to send and receive letters, delighted in searching for second-hand treasures at the thrift shop, and would get lost in the Sunday paper for hours.  

She was a passionate coffee-lover, reader, and gardener, most recently spending much of her time tending the rose garden and vegetable garden she shared with her son.  

She will be remembered fondly for her tenacity, independence, and survivor’s spirit.  

Despite her personal struggles and a life often lived on the margins, she saw beauty everywhere and was remarkably grateful for the gifts she was given in life, big or small.  We will miss her unique ability to revel in the joy of life’s simple pleasures, whether that be the beauty of a tomato right off the vine, an almost never ending game of fetch with Whiskey the dog, the feeling of warm sunshine on her skin, or most importantly, time with her family.  

Denise is preceded in death by her daughter Paige Marie Hellman-Turner.  She is survived by her life partner Brad Weber, her son Isaac Paul Hellman, daughter-in-law Danetra Hellman, sisters Diane Hellman, Dawn Hellman and Deana Hellman, brother David Hellman, and many nieces and nephews.  

Services will be held at Duggan’s Mission Chapel in Sonoma on Monday, June 19th at 11am. All are welcome to attend. A memorial lunch will follow services.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of the San Francisco Public Library (www.friendssfpl.org) in her memory.  

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