Helen Marie Oltman

1926 - 2016

Helen Marie Oltman

Helen Marie Oltman was born in Missoula, Montana on 6/29/1926 and grew up in one of the early families in what is now Shoreline. Helen met the love of her life, Donald H. Oltman, at Lincoln High School. Together they built a home in Richmond Beach followed by a second home in Shoreline where they raised their 3 children, Sandra PerezLixa, Lynn Oltman & Merrilee Gomez. Helen worked for the Shoreline School district for many years in several capacities. She occupied her time with many creative endeavors including arts & crafts, writing, modeling, acting, baking, doll making, & videography. Helen & Don's mutual passion for nature took them on numerous hiking/fishing trips until they found their ideal property on Henry Island. In 1958, the Oltmans purchased a waterfront property on Henry Island in the San Juan Islands. Helen and Don spent their weekends and vacation time on Henry Island, improving the property as modern day pioneers. Over the years they built two houses on the property, served by three handdug wells, DC generators and dock floats. For years, they enjoyed the natural beauty and bounty of the island, communing with nature and a family of tame raccoons. After Don's untimely passing in 1989, Helen shifted her life away from the cabins on Henry Island,

channeling her passions for learning, culture and people into traveling the globe. In Shoreline she remained devoted to her family, friends, and the Shoreline Historical Museum. Helen dedicated countless hours creating exhibits with her dear friend and museum director, Vicky Stiles. In 2004, with her granddaughter, LisaMarie Brems, she created and dedicated an informational sign overlooking the bluff of her beloved Richmond Beach. A gift to the community, the sign highlighted local history and geography. In her last 4 years, Helen resided at Beachwood Manor AFH under the exceptional care of Rebecca Nelson and her care team. She endeared the staff with her kind and generous nature, quick wit and grand smile.

Helen's life ended peacefully on August 29, 2016 and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her family is also grateful to the Evergreen Hospice team in attendance.

Helen is survived by her children and son in law, Tom Gomez, daughter in law Peg Saunders, grandchildren, LisaMarie Brems and husband Todd Schlemmer, Jennifer and Kevin Doll (ch.Sarah and Michael), Bridgette Oltman, Kevin and Alicia Haworth, Emmanuel and Kate Gomez (ch.Felix and River) and Nuria Gomez. In lieu of flowers we suggest a donation to the Shoreline Historical Museum.