Helen Florence (Peris) Doan passed away peacefully at home in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona on December 16, 2025. She was 98.

Her journey began in Flagstaff, AZ on June 3, 1927. Her only sibling and older sister, Margaret was quick to name the little baby Helen, and her parents, Salvador and Florence (Burnhelm) Peris happily agreed. Helen's father, an immigrant from Barcelona Spain, worked at the Arizona Lumber & Timber mill, then as caretaker/chauffer to the Riordan and Dolan families. His income provided modest living for the family in their small house on the southern entrance of Flagstaff (now S Milton Road). Helen's earliest memories growing up during the Great Depression were of her parents being generous to anyone in need, which formed her lifelong commitment to blessing others whenever possible.

Helen and Margaret walked "everywhere" in the small town of Flagstaff.  She attended elementary (St. Anthony's), middle and high school, graduating from FHS in 1945. During her senior year in high school, Helen's family suffered the tragic loss of her uncle, PFC Carl Robert Burnhelm, in the Battle of the Bulge; an event that would keep Helen close to home and family over the next few years.

Helen enjoyed people. As a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, she attended many social events and mingled with her friends. It was here she perfected the lifelong art of learning a total stranger's entire biography in a matter of minutes.

In 1949, she married Earl Henry (Bud) Eickmeyer, a Navy corpsman whose father was the Head Civilian Officer at the Navajo Ordnance Depot in Bellemont, AZ. The couple transferred to Memphis, TN, where they welcomed their son, Michael. Two years later and back in Flagstaff, their son Tom was born.  The family lived in Tucson, California and eventually Helen and her boys returned to Flagstaff.

Helen entered the workforce in the 1960s, when it was not common to be a single mom. She held secretarial positions in the offices of Merrill Young Distributing Company, the downtown J.C. Penney Store, and for several years in the Admissions Office at Northern Arizona University (NAU).

Helen loved "real" dancing, such as swing and fox trot. One night, and one dance with Jerry Patrick Doan, changed her life. When he wasn't dancing, Pat worked as a district electrician with the Transwestern Pipeline Company. They married in 1972 and continued to enjoy dancing, hiking, attending church, and traveling. Pat's job relocated them to Albuquerque NM, where Helen formed many wonderful friendships and served as a volunteer at a local hospital. She visited her parents and grandchildren often, with Christmas being her favorite holiday of the year. A few years after Pat died, Helen moved to Tucson to be near her sister and sons' families; while keeping in touch with Pat's daughters, Jannease and Judy. It was a wonderful time of her life, joining the Red Hats, playing Bunco, and catching up with all the news of neighbors and family.

In 2017, Helen moved to independent living in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona. There were new friends, shopping excursions, church activities, and family visits to keep her busy. Helen's lifelong Christian faith brought comfort and hope during every season of her life, but especially in her later years. Her body just couldn't keep up with her strong spirit, otherwise Helen would have kept on going.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, sister, and grandson Brian. She is survived by her sons Michael (Darlene Moen) Eickmeyer, and Thomas (Barbara) Eickmeyer, grandchildren Craig (Michelle) Eickmeyer, Cameron (Tess Ahern) Eickmeyer, Heidi (Zachary) Guzman, and Natalie Eickmeyer; 8 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

The family gratefully acknowledges Helen's many friends who visited or called regularly, her   caregiver Angelina, the team at Hospice Compassus of Sedona, and all the incredible staff at Sedona Winds Assisted Living.

A memorial reception and celebration of Helen's life will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, 11:00am – 12:30pm, at the Drury Inn & Suites, 300 S Milton Rd, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, followed by internment at the Citizen's Cemetery. Validation for free parking next door at the High Country Conference Center will be available at the reception. In honor to Helen, should you wish to do so, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to a local fund that supports pets.