Helen Hunter Pedersen

Helen Hunter PEDERSEN Helen Hunter Pedersen, ninety-eight, born in Miles City, Montana to parents Frank and Mabel Hunter who were originally from Cornwall, New York passed away December 9, 2008. She was a graduate of West Seattle High School and the University of Washington, class of 1934, and taught primary and secondary school Music and English in Wrangell, Alaska and Ann Arbor, Michigan before returning to Seattle. She was a devoted partner to her husband of 68 years, Willard S. Pedersen, who preceded her in death. They spent many of their wedding anniversaries at Paradise Inn in Mount Rainier National Park which they treasured. She especially valued her small-town upbringing in Miles City, Montana which included daily horseback riding and summer camping trips to Yellowstone National Park, but also special nights for reading everything from children's books to classics with her parents. Her special interest became music which led to piano lessons, opportunities as an accompanist, and ultimately a life-long passion for teaching and choral conducting. She participated in, formed, and directed many community choral groups in north Seattle including a well-regarded women's chorus in the 1950s and 1960s, and the Haller Lake Methodist Church High School Choir which grew to more than 60 members during her twenty-year tenure. While good musicianship was always important to her, she was also interested in exposing both singers and listeners to fine sacred and secular music. Music appreciation made for a richer life. She was a long-time member of the Fine Arts Study Club of Seattle and taught private piano lessons for twenty-five years. She is survived by her son, Douglas, and his wife, Janice; granddaughters, Gretchen and Erica, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haller Lake United Methodist Church Music Series or to Crista Senior Community. A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 3:00p.m. at Haller Lake United Methodist Church, 13055 First Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98125.