Helen Ann Harwood

Helen Ann Harwood departed her earthly life in the same way she lived it: with steadfast Christian faith and surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on March 3, 1933 (after a sleigh ride through a snowstorm) to Bill and Alma Blomdahl, she was sister to Donald, Richard, and Donna. Helen grew up on her Norwegian grandparents' farm in Northern Minnesota. When recalling her childhood, Helen often joked, "Great Depression? What Great Depression?" The bounty of the farm blessed them with all they needed. Devout Lutherans, her family attended Landstad Lutheran Church in Shevlin, MN.

At age 15, a handsome young man asked to sit next to Helen on the school bus one afternoon. In their first conversation, he asked "are you a Christian?" She said "yes!" Another "yes" followed on October 5, 1951 when Larry Harwood became her husband. The marriage was blessed with four children: Jeffrey, Renae, Mark, and Barbara. Tragedy struck the young family in 1957 when Renae choked to death at the age of 21 months. The grief of this loss echoed through Helen and Larry's lives, and was alleviated only by faith in Jesus Christ.

In 1962, Helen and Larry moved to Washington state. After a few odd jobs, an opportunity arose for Larry to manage Camp Lutherland on Lake Killarney in Federal Way. Helen became the camp cook. They had many wonderful memories and lifelong friendships from the camp. In 1978, Helen and Larry moved to their home on 28th Avenue in Federal Way. Helen assisted Larry in running his small engine repair business, "The Fix It Shoppe," and they also ran a janitorial service, "The Mop Artists." They were active members of Mountain View Lutheran Church in Edgewood, WA, since 1963. Helen loved her church family dearly and especially enjoyed all activities related to her Scandinavian heritage. Even lutefisk. UFF DA!

Helen was the ultimate hostess. Her immaculately clean home was decorated for every holiday. She loved to entertain, nobody ever left hungry (particularly during lefse season.) Her gardens were perfectly tended, especially her bumper crop of blueberries! Helen socialized enthusiastically and could chat for hours. Friends were considered one of her greatest blessings. Some of her favorite people were her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who adored her in return. Many cherished memories were made at Grandma's house!

On January 9, 2026, Helen was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Larry, daughter Renea, and son Mark. She is mourned by her children: Jeff (Doris) Harwood and Barbara (David) LaCroix, nine grandchildren: Sonja, Melissa, Holly, Cole, Trevor, Dallas, Alex, Nicole, and Christopher; and nine great grandchildren: Logan, Chase, Ronan, Ethan, Jakob, Leah, Everett, Hudson, and Wyatt. Helen's memorial service will be Saturday February 28th at 3pm at Mt View Lutheran Church in Edgewood, WA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Nourish Pierce County Edgewood Food Bank.

"I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:25