Helen Kardashian may not be a household name like her famous grandchildren, but she played a significant role in shaping the Kardashian family. As the mother of Robert Kardashian and the grandmother of Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, and Rob, her story is an important part of the Kardashian legacy. Let’s take a closer look at her life, her family, and the lasting impact she had.
Who Was Helen Kardashian?
Helen Kardashian was born on July 15, 1917, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in an Armenian-American family, surrounded by love and tradition. Her parents, Arakel Murgrdichian and Vartanoosh, were of Armenian descent, and their family history is deeply connected to Armenian culture and heritage.
Helen lived a long life, witnessing many changes in the world and in her own family. She remained a dedicated mother and grandmother, always valuing family above all else. Even though she wasn’t in the public eye like her famous grandchildren, she played an essential role in their upbringing and values.
She passed away on May 21, 2008, at the age of 90. While she may no longer be here, her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren, who have become some of the most well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
Her Family and Armenian Heritage
Helen Kardashian came from a strong Armenian background. Her parents, Arakel and Vartanoosh, were Armenian immigrants who built a life in the United States. The Kardashians’ Armenian roots trace back to Kars Oblast, a region that was once part of the Russian Empire and is now in modern-day Turkey.
The family originally had the surname “Kardaschoff,” which was a Russianized version of Kardashian. When they moved to the United States, the name was changed to Kardashian. Despite being in America, Armenian culture remained an essential part of the family’s identity. Helen carried these traditions forward, teaching her children the importance of family bonds, cultural values, and hard work.
This deep-rooted heritage later influenced her grandchildren, especially Kim Kardashian, who has spoken about her Armenian background many times. The family has even visited Armenia to reconnect with their ancestral roots, showing how much their heritage still means to them.
Her Marriage to Arthur Kardashian
Helen married Arthur Thomas Kardashian, who was born in October 1917. Together, they built a strong and loving family. Arthur was an American businessman of Armenian descent, and like Helen, he valued family and tradition.
Their marriage lasted nearly 70 years, a rare and beautiful achievement. They lived a happy life together, raising their children with care and support. Helen and Arthur spent much of their later years in Indian Wells, California, where they enjoyed a peaceful life surrounded by loved ones.
Arthur passed away in 2012, four years after Helen. Even though they are no longer here, their love story and family values live on through their children and grandchildren.
Her Children
Helen and Arthur had three children: Robert Kardashian, Tom Kardashian, and Barbara Kardashian. Each of them played a role in continuing the family’s legacy.
Robert Kardashian became the most well-known of Helen’s children. He was a successful attorney and businessman, but he gained national attention for being part of the O.J. Simpson trial in 1995. Robert was not just a lawyer but also a dedicated father. He and Kris Jenner had four children—Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, and Rob—who later became some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.
Tom Kardashian is a private individual, and not much is known about his life. Unlike Robert, he chose to stay out of the public eye. Barbara Kardashian also kept a low profile, living a quiet life away from fame.
Her Grandchildren and the Kardashian Legacy
Helen Kardashian’s grandchildren—Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, and Rob Kardashian—became famous through their reality TV show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” They turned their fame into successful careers in fashion, beauty, and business.
Kim Kardashian became a billionaire businesswoman, launching successful brands like SKIMS and KKW Beauty. She also became an advocate for criminal justice reform, working to help people get a second chance at life.
Khloé Kardashian is known for her strong personality and business ventures, including Good American, a fashion brand. Kourtney Kardashian, the eldest of the siblings, built her own wellness brand, Poosh, and focuses on living a healthy lifestyle.
Rob Kardashian has had a quieter life compared to his sisters, but he has also been involved in business. He launched Arthur George, a sock company, and is a loving father to his daughter, Dream Kardashian.
Even though Helen Kardashian didn’t live to see the full success of her grandchildren, she helped shape the strong family foundation that made them who they are today.
Her Later Years and Passing
Helen Kardashian lived a long and fulfilling life. In her later years, she stayed close to her family and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow. She spent her final days at Ararat Nursing Home in Mission Hills, California, where she passed away peacefully on May 21, 2008.
Her funeral was held in Los Angeles, and she was laid to rest at Inglewood Cemetery. Her passing was a sad moment for the family, but they continue to honor her memory by keeping family traditions alive.
Her Legacy and Lasting Impact
Helen Kardashian may not have been a celebrity, but her influence is deeply felt in the Kardashian family. She raised her children with strong values, which they passed down to the next generation.
Her Armenian heritage continues to be an essential part of the family’s identity, and her love for family remains a guiding principle in their lives. Whether it’s through their business success, media presence, or dedication to family, Helen’s legacy lives on.
Her Net Worth and Financial Standing
Before her passing, Helen Kardashian had an estimated net worth between $1-5 million. While she did not gain wealth from fame like her grandchildren, she lived a comfortable life thanks to her family’s business success.
Her son Robert Kardashian built a successful legal and business career, and her grandchildren took that success to new heights. Today, the Kardashian family is one of the richest and most influential families in the world, a legacy that started with strong family values and hard work.
Remembering Helen Kardashian
Helen Kardashian’s life story is one of love, tradition, and family. She may not have been in the spotlight, but without her, the Kardashian name wouldn’t be what it is today. Her dedication to family and her Armenian roots helped shape the people we see on our screens today.
Even though she passed away years ago, her influence remains strong. The Kardashian family continues to honor her memory, carrying forward the values she instilled in them. Helen Kardashian may not be as famous as her grandchildren, but she will always be remembered as the woman who helped build the Kardashian legacy.
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