Janice Helmick

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Janice Rae McGee Christensen Helmick, who returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on October 1,2025, at her home in American Fork, Utah, after a brief but valiant battle with breast cancer. Her passing marks the close of a beautiful chapter, but her spirit continues to bloom in the lives of those she loved and inspired.

Janice was born on September 7, 1946, in Farmington, New Mexico, to Kenneth Lemar and Donna Mae Walker McGee. Raised in the warmth of Farmington, she grew up surrounded by the love of family and the beauty of the desert landscape-a setting that nurtured her lifelong appreciation for nature, history, and quiet reflection.

On June 23, 1964, Janice married Reid Lee Christensen in Mesa, Arizona. Together, they raised six cherished children, first in the bustling heart of San Jose, California, and later in the serene foothills of Orem, Utah. Though their paths eventually diverged, Janice's devotion to her children remained steadfast and unconditional. On May 25, 2007, she found love again and married Edward Frank Helmick in Orem, Utah, with whom she shared many joyful adventures and tender companionship.

After lovingly raising her children, Janice pursued her education at Utah Valley University, earning an Associate of Science degree in Office Administration. She brought her talents and grace to her role as Office Manager for the Utah Board of Regents in Salt Lake City, where she worked with dedication until her retirement. 

Janice was a woman of many gifts and passions. Her hands were rarely idle-she was a master of sewing, quilting, needle arts, and ceramics. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of warmth, filled with the comforting aromas of homemade bread, bottled preserves, and lovingly prepared meals. She found joy in gardening, playing the piano, and diving deep into genealogical research, uncovering the stories of those who came before her. A voracious reader, Janice especially loved historical books and curated a personal library that reflected her deep intellect and curiosity.

In her retirement years, Janice and her beloved Ed found joy in the great outdoors, exploring Utah's rugged beauty in their bright yellow Jeep, affectionately named "Absolutely." Together, they camped beneath starlit skies and journeyed through 5-Mile Pass, researching and co-authoring a book that honored the ancient pictographs, petroglyphs, and the stories of the land's earliest inhabitants.

Janice's faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served faithfully in many callings, with Gospel Doctrine Teacher being her favorite. She also found great joy in singing praises to God in the choir, her voice a reflection of her radiant spirit. 

Janice leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and grace. She is survived by her six children: Darin (Alicia) Christensen, Myron (Allison) Christensen, Valori Christensen, Tamara Evans, Gary (Lisa) Christensen, and Janili Blaylock; her two stepdaughters: Mynell (Brian) Harper and Jenn Helmick; 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and her beloved brothers: Don (Debbie) McGee, Gordon (Barbara) McGee, and Rick (Suzanne) McGee.

She is joyfully reunited in heaven with her husband Ed Helmick, her parents, her sister Beverly Anthony, her brother Lemar McGee and her sons-in-law Monty Evans and Ben Blaylock.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at the American Fork Hospital Cancer Center and the hospice angels of Symbii, whose kindness and care brought comfort and peace in Janice's final days.