Long before the Kardashian name became a fixture in reality television, social media, and celebrity culture, there was Helen Kardashian—a woman whose quiet influence laid the foundation for one of America’s most recognized families. While she never sought the spotlight herself, her life was marked by resilience, family devotion, and values that continue to echo through generations.
Early Life and Armenian Heritage
Helen Kardashian was born Helen Jean Arakelian on July 15, 1917, in Oakland, California. She was the daughter of Arakel and Vartanoosh Arakelian, Armenian immigrants who left their homeland in search of opportunity in the United States. Her upbringing reflected the strength and perseverance of immigrant families determined to build a better life.
Helen grew up alongside her siblings—Armen, Dorothy, Hazel, and Haig—in a close-knit Armenian-American household. The family’s original surname, Kardaschoff, traced back to their roots in the Kars Oblast province, a region once part of the Russian Empire and now within modern-day Turkey. In this culturally rich environment, Helen learned the importance of unity, hard work, and pride in heritage—principles she would carry into her own family life.
Marriage and Building a Home
In 1938, at just 20 years old, Helen married Arthur Kardashian in Los Angeles. Together, they built a home that would become the heart of a growing family. The couple lived first in Windsor Hills, later moving to Indian Wells, California, where they continued to raise their children with a strong sense of discipline and love.
Helen and Arthur welcomed three children: Robert Kardashian Sr., born in 1944, followed by Barbara Kardashian Freeman and Thomas “Tom” Kardashian. The home they created was rooted in traditional family values, with a focus on hard work, loyalty, and staying close to one another.
Running a Family Business
Alongside raising their children, Helen and Arthur co-owned a meat-packing business, which served as the family’s primary source of income for many years. The venture reflected the couple’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Though the business eventually closed due to a government order, it had already instilled in the Kardashian family the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Family meals often became moments of storytelling, with conversations that reinforced the value of perseverance and unity. Those principles would later become a consistent theme in the way the Kardashian family navigated both personal and public challenges.
The Rise of Robert Kardashian Sr.
Among Helen’s children, Robert Kardashian Sr. would become the figure most responsible for placing the family name into the national spotlight. After earning a law degree, Robert built a respected legal career. His most high-profile moment came in 1995 when he served as part of the defense team in the O.J. Simpson trial—a case that captivated the nation.
Robert’s professionalism, loyalty to his friends, and calm demeanor during one of the most intense legal battles in modern history brought attention to the Kardashian name. But behind those traits was the influence of Helen’s upbringing, which emphasized standing by family and friends even in difficult times.
Robert’s legacy also extended into the next generation. As the father of Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, he became the bridge between Helen’s values and the era in which the family would dominate entertainment and media.
The Kardashian Grandchildren
The grandchildren of Helen Kardashian took the family name into a new cultural sphere. Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian, along with their brother Rob, built careers that combined television, business, and social media influence. Their ventures in reality TV, beauty, and fashion would make the Kardashian brand a global phenomenon.
Even as their fame grew, they often spoke about the importance of family and heritage—values that were passed down from Helen through Robert. The emphasis on staying connected, supporting one another, and embracing their Armenian roots can be traced directly to her influence.
Later Years and Passing
Helen Kardashian lived a long, fulfilling life surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In her later years, she resided at the Ararat Nursing Home in Mission Hills, California, where she remained close to her family.
On May 21, 2008, Helen passed away peacefully at the age of 90. At the time of her death, she was survived by her husband Arthur, her children Barbara and Tom, her sister Hazel, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California—a final resting place that reflected her lifelong ties to the community she helped nurture.
A Lasting Legacy
While Helen Kardashian’s name may not appear in tabloids or television credits, her influence is deeply woven into the story of her family. She provided the values, stability, and work ethic that helped shape not only her children’s lives but also the public personas of her grandchildren.
Her life story is a reminder that behind every public figure, there are often family members whose guidance and sacrifices play a vital role in their success. Helen Kardashian’s legacy is one of quiet strength, cultural pride, and an unshakable commitment to family—a foundation that continues to support one of America’s most famous dynasties.