The City of Goleta would like to wish a very Happy 100th Birthday to an inspiring Goleta resident. Helen Grace Barnet Modugno celebrated her centennial birthday, October 20, 2022, with a lovely family gathering. She was excited to receive a Proclamation from the City of Goleta from Mayor Paula Perotte that acknowledged her 100th birthday.

Helen was born on October 20, 1922, in Paris, Texas and has lived a well-traveled life but always maintained her passion for community work and involvement. The youngest of 7, her family survived extreme challenges and together made it through the Great Depression.

Helen moved to Goleta in 1963 to escape an overcrowded Los Angeles scene and her family have been in Goleta ever since. Helen never forgot the poverty of her youth and has always given back to those less fortunate than her.

A life-long women’s rights activist, Helen has been a dedicated community member of the Goodland. She volunteered at St Raphael Church as a Sunday school teacher, served as the Women’s Auxiliary Board President, and a Minister that brought communion to the sick and elderly confined to their home.

Helen raised six children, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Her secret to living to 100? Helen credits her long life to healthy living and her husband Ralph Modugno convincing her to quit smoking at an early age.

Happy Birthday Helen! We wish you health and joy. Your love of Goleta will continue to amaze us!

To read more about Helen’s incredible life, read the tribute that her son Tom Modugno wrote in Edhat: https://www.edhat.com/news/helen-grace-barnet-modugno-s-100th-birthday.

#Goleta #Goodland #Community #HappyBirthday

Pictured: Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte giving Helen Modugno her 100th Birthday Proclamation. Helen is surrounded by family and friends.