When the world thinks of the Kardashian name, it’s easy to picture reality TV glitz, social media buzz, and tabloid headlines. But long before this family became a household brand, there was Helen—a woman whose legacy quietly laid the foundation for everything her descendants would achieve.
Though not a celebrity in her own right, influence is woven deeply into the family’s remarkable journey. Let’s take a closer look at the life, roots, and lasting impact of Helen Kardashian, the understated matriarch behind America’s most famous dynasty.
Early Life: From Armenian Roots to American Dreams
Helen Kardashian was born Helen Jean Arakelian on July 15, 1917, in Oakland, California. Her parents, Arakel and Vartanoosh Arakelian, were Armenian immigrants who had made the journey to the U.S. seeking a better future. The family story is steeped in resilience.
The Arakelians, along with siblings Armen, Dorothy, Hazel, and Haig, worked hard to establish themselves in their new home. The family’s original surname, Kardaschoff, reflected their roots in the Kars Oblast province—an area that once belonged to the Russian Empire and now lies in contemporary Turkey.
Growing up in a tight-knit Armenian-American household, Helen learned the value of unity, hard work, and cultural heritage. These principles would shape her own family and become a central part of the Kardashian identity for generations to come.
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Building a Family: Marriage, Children, and Business
In 1938, at just 20 years old, Helen Kardashian married Arthur Kardashian in Los Angeles. Together, they set out to create a stable and loving home, first in Windsor Hills and later in Indian Wells, California. The couple welcomed three children: Robert Kardashian Sr. (born 1944), Barbara Kardashian Freeman, and Thomas “Tom” Kardashian.
Helen and Arthur also ran a meat-packing business, a venture that supported the family for many years. While the business was eventually closed down by government order, the experience fostered a strong sense of resilience and togetherness among the Kardashians. It’s not hard to imagine family dinners filled with stories about hard work, perseverance, and the importance of sticking together through thick and thin.
The Spotlight on Robert Kardashian Sr.
While all of Helen Kardashian’s children contributed to the Kardashian family legacy, Robert Kardashian Sr. stands out for his pivotal role in bringing the family name into the national spotlight.
Born in 1944, Robert would go on to become a well-respected attorney, earning widespread recognition for his part in the O.J. Simpson defense team during the infamous 1995 trial. The nation watched as Robert stood at the center of one of the most talked-about moments in legal history.
Robert’s influence didn’t stop there. As the father of Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, he became the link between Helen’s values and the family’s new era of fame.
The Kardashian grandchildren have built media empires—reality TV, beauty brands, fashion lines, and more—often citing family, heritage, and resilience as their inspiration. There’s no doubt that Helen’s spirit and values echoed in the ambitions and achievements of her grandchildren.
Later Years, Legacy, and Passing
She lived a long and fulfilling life, passing away peacefully on May 21, 2008, at the age of 90. She spent her final days surrounded by family at the Ararat Nursing Home in Mission Hills, California.
At the time of her death, Helen Kardashian was survived by her husband Arthur, children Barbara and Tom, sister Hazel, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Helen was laid to rest in Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and family strength. Her passing was deeply felt, not just by those who knew her personally but also by a wider circle of family and friends who recognized her pivotal role in the Kardashian story.
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