Helen Joy Bower

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Lincoln High School University of Washington

Helen Bower Obituary

Helen Joy BOWER Helen passed away with her family by her side on April 9, 2011, at her home in Redmond, after a courageous several year battle with breast cancer. Helen was born in Seattle, on November 4, 1944, to Frank & Eleanor Stipek and was the youngest of twelve children. She graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Washington. Helen recently retired from the Northshore School District as a special education teacher and later worked in administration as a special education coordinator, where she provided autism training to other teachers. Helen's passion was helping and working with children with autism and special needs. Helen is survived by her husband of 43 years Rod, daughters Anne and Ashley, son in law Dave Raulston and her granddaughter Alessandra. A celebration of Helen's life will be held on May 13, 2011 @ 1:00 PM at the Hollywood Schoolhouse 14810 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, Wa 98072. In lieu of flowers please make any remembrances to the Susan G Komen breast cancer fund or a charity of your choice. Helen will be greatly missed by all of us.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Apr. 22 to Apr. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Bower

7 Entries

Kathleen Prosch Jensen

May 9, 2011

Helen was the most wonderful person--generous, compassionate, smart, and so courageous. Her passion for her students, her family and her friends always inspired me. I know so many young people whose lives she touched, some of whom can't speak for themselves, but I know that if they could they would all say thank you, thank you, you made our lives better, we will miss you. As do I.

Kevin and Sheryl Loso

May 5, 2011

We want to let your family know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. We have known Helen since the beginning of our life together. Helen was a special lady and a real gift to life. If there is anything we can do for you Rod, please let us know. We wish you and your family peace in knowing Helen is in a good place. Blessings to you and your family.

Bonnie Block

April 26, 2011

I am so very sorry for the loss of Helen and my heart goes to her family. I know she was loved by many people and especially Rod and her daughters. My condolence for your loss. Bonnie Block.

April 25, 2011

I met Helen in 4th or 5th grade. That's a long time ago--many things have changed, but Helen never seemed to. The picture of her in this obituary might have been taken 50 years ago--her hair, her smile, her voice all the same.
As a very young person, she could sense a troubled spirit when others might not notice. I can hear her voice even now, offering comfort and solace to my teenage self, whom she often found distraught in tears. I remember the touch of her cool hands on my brow, soothing away a migraine attack.
From the time a future life could be imagined by any of us, Helen wanted to be a special education teacher. It's no mystery why Helen was drawn to autistic children--who was ever more capable of seeing an unseeable emotion or the patience to bide when others might give up?
Helen was that rare person whose heart and arms were continually open--especially at times when worry or concern were closing in. I'm certain her daughters reflect the radiance so visible in their mother (one of whom I met at the mall, where I dissolved into tears trying to recount how special her mother was--like she didn't know it already).
Her middle name, Joy, was also what she brought to all she touched. Hers was a life well-lived. It's hard for anyone to do better than that.
Best regards,
Barbara Gustafson Curtis

Pam Harper

April 22, 2011

To Helen's Wonderful Family,

When I first came to the Northshore School District as a Physical Therapist 20 years ago, I worked with Helen. I never worked harder in my life to bring out the very best in each child no matter what the circumstances were. She would accept nothing less. I remember her gracious and caring style of teaching, particularly her gentle touch with the most physically impacted children. Her lessons of compassion are with me today.

We shared the same birthday and celebrated with a birthday breakfast each year. One of her beautiful cards sits on my bedside table and reminds me every day of her gracious, loving manner.

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with us.

With warm thoughts to you all.

Pam Harper

Susan Bluhm

April 22, 2011

It is hard to describe how much Helen meant to us and our family. A wonderful friend, a beautiful woman - both inside and out, and a such a kind and caring person. Many wonderful memories will keep her with us forever! Her Christmas "Sparkle" cookies are our family's favorite cookies and are always called "Helen's Cookies". We are grateful for Helen Bower in our lives. Susan and Ron Bluhm

April 22, 2011

Helen was one of my very first friends, meeting at ages 3 and 4.
We grew up together in the same neighborhood and shared many fun-filled years. She was my Maid of Honor. We had lost touch and I did not know she had been ill but I always treasured our girlhood friendship. Helen was a kind and beautiful person. My sympathy and love to all her family.
Sincerely,
Mary Pierce Fallihee (Cookie)

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