The Kardashian family name is known worldwide today. But long before the glitz and glamour, there was a remarkable woman who started it all: Helen Kardashian. Born Haigoohi Jean Arakelian, she was the beloved grandmother of the famous Kardashian siblings we know today.
Let’s take a closer look at the incredible life of the Kardashian family matriarch.
Who Is Helen Kardashian?
Helen Kardashian was born on July 15, 1917 in Oakland, California. She was the daughter of Armenian immigrants Arakel and Vartanoosh Arakelian. Growing up, Helen developed a vibrant personality and zest for life that she carried with her always.Â
In 1938, at the age of 21, she married the love of her life – Arthur Kardashian. Together, they started a beautiful family that would go on to make an indelible mark on pop culture. Helen passed away on May 21, 2008 at the age of 90 in Mission Hills, California. But her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Early Life and Background
As the daughter of Armenian immigrants, Helen grew up valuing family, faith and hard work. Her parents instilled in her a deep pride in her Armenian heritage, something she passed down to her own children and grandchildren.
Growing up in California in the 1920s and 30s, Helen experienced the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood. This undoubtedly influenced her bold sense of style and love of the finer things, traits that were also passed down to her famous granddaughters.
But beyond the sparkle, Helen developed a reputation as a kind, generous woman with a dynamic personality. She made friends easily and was always ready with a warm smile or word of encouragement. These qualities made her an anchor for her family and community.
Marriage to Arthur Kardashian
Helen’s life changed forever when she met Arthur Kardashian. The two fell head over heels and tied the knot on February 12, 1938 in Los Angeles. It was the start of a lifelong love story. Together, Helen and Arthur built a tight-knit, loving family. They adhered to traditional Armenian values while embracing their American lifestyle. Family always came first for Helen. She doted on her children and later her grandchildren, showering them with love and wisdom.
Arthur and Helen spent many happy years together at their home in Indian Wells, California. Through all of life’s ups and downs, their love and commitment to each other never wavered. Theirs was a true partnership built on respect, devotion and lots of laughter.
Helen Kardashian’s Children
Helen and Arthur raised two remarkable children together – daughter Barbara and son Robert. From a young age, Helen instilled in them the importance of family, generosity and chasing their dreams. Their eldest child Barbara was born in 1939. Barbara inherited her mother’s kind heart and giving spirit. She grew up to be a doting mother and grandmother herself.
In 1944, they welcomed son Robert, lovingly known as Bob. Bob Kardashian would go on to become a well-known attorney, most famous for serving on OJ Simpson’s defense team. More importantly, he was a devoted family man who adored his mother Helen.
Helen was an affectionate, hands-on mother to Barbara and Bob. She supported their dreams, consoled them in tough times, and celebrated every victory. She taught them to work hard, love deeply and never forget their Armenian roots. These values live on through them and the next generations.
Influence on the Kardashian Family
It’s impossible to overstate Helen Kardashian’s influence on her famous family. As the Kardashian matriarch, she shaped the family in profound ways. Her love, strength and wisdom still guide them today.
Helen doted on her four famous grandchildren – Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Rob. She attended dance recitals, graduations and was always there cheering them on. The pride she felt for them was immeasurable. Long before “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” Helen was instilling the values that led to her grandkids’ success. She taught them to chase their dreams, work hard and always put family first. Their drive and work ethic is deeply rooted in the example Helen set.
Helen was also the keeper of the family’s Armenian heritage. She passed down cherished traditions and made sure her grandkids never forgot where they came from. Today, the Kardashians are still deeply connected to their Armenian roots, thanks in large part to Helen.
Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, Helen remained the lively, loving woman she’d always been. She was an adoring great-grandmother to her nine great-grandkids, who brought her immense joy. After 70 years of marriage, Helen and Arthur were more in love than ever. They still made each other laugh and were rarely apart. Theirs was a love story for the ages.
Sadly, Helen passed away on May 21, 2008 at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her loving family until the very end. The loss was deeply felt by her large extended family and community.Â
But Helen’s legacy lives on in powerful ways. Her values of family, faith, hard work and generosity continue to shape the Kardashian family. Her love still guides them in everything they do. She planted the seeds that bloomed into the phenomenon we know today.
Remembrance
Helen Kardashian was a force of nature. She was kind, generous, bold and loving. She lived life to the fullest and brought joy to everyone lucky enough to know her. To her family, Helen was everything. She was their guiding light, their biggest cheerleader and the glue that held them together. The love she gave them was a gift they’ll carry forever.
Though she is deeply missed, Helen’s spirit lives on. It’s in Kim’s drive, Kris’s devotion to family, and in the laughter and love the Kardashians share. It’s in the Armenian traditions they still honor today. Helen’s legacy is one of love, strength and family above all.
Final Words
The world may know the Kardashians as glamorous celebrities. But Helen Kardashian knew them simply as her beloved family. Her love, wisdom and strength shaped them in countless ways. Helen’s extraordinary life is a testament to the power of love, family and staying true to yourself. She lived a life of purpose and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.Â
As we remember Helen Kardashian, let’s celebrate the remarkable woman she was. Let’s honor her legacy by holding our loved ones close and never forgetting where we came from. In doing so, we keep her spirit alive. Rest in peace, Helen. Your love lives on through your incredible family.
