Long before the Kardashian name became synonymous with global fame, luxury brands, and reality television, there was Helen Kardashian—a woman whose quiet strength and deep-rooted values formed the foundation of one of America’s most talked-about families. Her story begins far from the flashing lights of Hollywood, grounded instead in heritage, resilience, and the immigrant experience.
Early Life and Armenian Roots
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 came to the United States seeking a better life after enduring hardship in their homeland. The Arakelian family’s surname was originally Kardaschoff, a nod to their ancestral roots in the Kars Oblast province, a region that was once part of the Russian Empire and is now located in modern-day Turkey.
Growing up alongside her siblings Armen, Dorothy, Hazel, and Haig, Helen was immersed in a close-knit Armenian-American community. The household emphasized the importance of family unity, cultural traditions, and the work ethic that would later define the Kardashian family for generations.
Marriage and Building a Family
In 1938, at the age of 20, Helen married Arthur Kardashian in Los Angeles. The couple first settled in Windsor Hills before later moving to Indian Wells, California. Together, they raised three children: Robert Kardashian Sr. (born 1944), Barbara Kardashian Freeman, and Thomas “Tom” Kardashian.
Helen and Arthur also ran a family-owned meat-packing business, which became a primary source of income for many years. Though the business eventually closed after a government order, it provided valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and supporting one another through challenges. These lessons would prove vital in shaping the Kardashian family’s long-term resilience.
Raising the Next Generation
Helen’s eldest son, Robert Kardashian Sr., would become the most publicly recognized of her children. Born in 1944, Robert rose to national prominence as a skilled attorney, most famously for his role on the O.J. Simpson defense team during the highly publicized 1995 murder trial. His legal work, combined with his business ventures, helped raise the Kardashian name to national recognition.
Robert’s role as a father was just as impactful. His four children—Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob—would go on to build a global media empire. The values instilled in Robert by Helen, including loyalty, family first, and cultural pride, would be passed down to his children, forming the moral and emotional backbone of their success.
Family Values That Shaped a Dynasty
Though Helen never appeared on television screens or in glossy magazine spreads, her influence was felt in the way the Kardashian family carried itself. Her belief in strong family bonds, her commitment to heritage, and her resilience in the face of hardship became a silent guide for her descendants. Even as the younger Kardashians embraced the modern entertainment industry, they often spoke about the importance of family gatherings and the legacy of their Armenian heritage—values Helen championed throughout her life.
Later Years and Final Days
Helen lived a long, fulfilling life, passing away peacefully on May 21, 2008, at the age of 90. She spent her final years at the Ararat Nursing Home in Mission Hills, California, surrounded by the love of her family. 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 in Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California—a fitting resting place for a woman whose life was rooted in both tradition and love for her family.
Family and Net Worth
While Helen Kardashian was not a public figure and lived far from the celebrity wealth associated with her grandchildren, her family’s later success is undeniable. Today, the Kardashian-Jenner brand is valued in the billions, with individual members like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner boasting personal fortunes worth hundreds of millions. Though Helen’s own net worth at the time of her passing was not public, her greatest legacy was not financial—it was the family network she helped build, one that has endured across generations and expanded into one of the most influential in entertainment.
An Enduring Legacy
Helen Kardashian’s life is a reminder that some of the most impactful figures in history are not those in front of the cameras, but those who work quietly in the background, shaping the values and dreams of future generations. Through her dedication to family, her commitment to heritage, and her resilience through challenges, she laid the foundation for a dynasty that would capture the attention of the world.
Though the Kardashian name is now linked to global fame, fashion, and media influence, its roots lie in the story of an Armenian-American woman who valued hard work, unity, and love above all else. Helen Kardashian may not have lived to see the full extent of her grandchildren’s success, but there is no doubt that the world they built stands on the foundation she created.
