Celebrating the Life of Helen Fay Bratton Pierce Massei March 28, 1934 – October 21, 2020 Helen was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, trusted confidante, and friend to all those lucky enough to be in her life during these 86 years. She was the steady rudder as her blended family of seven children grew up: Nicholas Salvatore Massei, Jr (deceased), Glenna Jean Tenaglia (deceased), Richard James Massei, Robert Scott Pierce, Donald Eugene Pierce (deceased), Frank John Massei, and Brooke Anna Massei. Mom parented with tough love, a firm grip on reality, and sunny optimism. Born in 1934 to Carl G. and Minnie Bratton in Talihina, OK, Helen was the sixth of nine children. She frequently recalled her modest upbringing in a cabin with a well-kept dirt floor. Mom married Gene V. Pierce (deceased), and by age 20 had three toddlers to bring up. As life evolved, Helen worked to improve her situation. In 1961 she married Nicholas Salvatore Massei (deceased) in Spavinaw, OK. They shared a love of family and fun times. Military life took them from Oklahoma to Texas; Brooklyn, New York; and Okinawa, Japan. Civilian life led them to settle in Cupertino, California. During the decades of the Seventies and Eighties, Helen mastered the art of eggery, handcrafting and decorating tiny quail to massive ostrich eggs into elegant clocks, ornaments, and fanciful decorative objects. She hosted gatherings effortlessly, cooked a mean rib eye roast, and loved conversing with others while smoking a cigarette and sipping her Seagram's 7 with water. Mom retired to Oklahoma enjoying her role as the family matriarch. Never a dull moment, it was a life beyond anything she expected. Mourning her are sister Shirley Semple and brother Pete Bratton; sons Rick Massei (Annie), Bob Pierce (Kaye), Frank Massei (Tracie), and daughter Brooke Massei. She leaves behind grandchildren to great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. We appreciate the assistance of hospice caregivers from Hillcrest Medical Center. Finally, we are forever grateful for granddaughter Alisa. While her husband and their children sacrificed, Alisa lovingly jumped in, helping Bob take care of Mom's comfort and needs during her final weeks at home. Services are private. ###