Helen Schaffer Brookens

Helen Schaffer Brookens
Helen Japke Cornelia Schaffer Brookens returned home to her Heavenly Father and to the loving arms of her family on January 16th, 2024.
She was born in Harlingen, Netherlands on November 20th, 1929. As a baby, Helen and several of her family members, immigrated to the United States as converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, settling in Ogden, Utah. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1947 and attended Weber College where she received her Associate's degree. She later attended Brigham Young University. Helen worked as a medical secretary for the Tanner Clinic in Layton, Utah and for the Weber Clinic in Ogden. She later worked for the Weber School District as a secretary at Lakeview and North Park Elementary schools and as a secretary for various Assistant Superintendents in the District Office. She retired from the Weber School District.
Helen married Billy Jaynes Brookens in Ogden, Utah on February 14th, 1955. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple. As a devoted member of the LDS church, she enjoyed a variety of callings, including Junior Sunday School Coordinator, Primary President and callings in the Relief Society. Helen was a gifted and avid writer, writing and directing several roadshow plays and special programs for Primary. She enjoyed walking, especially in the early morning hours with her little dogs, reading anything historical, and being with all of her many beloved animals and her family. Helen always looked forward to her weekly Saturday lunches with both of her daughters.
She was fiercely proud of her Dutch heritage, taking great pleasure in her trips back to Holland where she had the chance to stay in close touch with several family members, converse in her native language, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of her homeland. Helen was an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Pearl Child Camp. For several years, she taught the lessons and led the music. In her later years, these chapter meetings became a monthly highlight and she dearly loved her many close friendships with the women of this organization.
Helen is survived by her husband of almost 69 years, Billy J. Brookens, daughters Lynn Davis (Curt), Karen Bruestle (Craig), and her Grandsons Quinn Davis (Taylor Benna) and Trent Davis (Alexis Terronez).
She is preceded in death by her parents Mary and Gerrit Schaffer brother Edward Schaffer, a nephew Ryan Mitchel Schaffer, her beloved grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Van der Linde and her many beloved pets.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 10-11 a. m. at Myers Mortuary 5865 S. 1900 W., Roy, Utah. A funeral service for family and close friends will be held at 11:30 a.m. after the viewing. Interment to be held at the Ogden City Cemetery.
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