Helen Irene Temple

Helen Irene (Rapsavage) Temple, 95, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025. Her life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family.
Born on August 19, 1929, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Helen was the daughter of Cosmer and Gunver Rapsavage of Center, ND, where she was raised and graduated from Center High School. After graduation, she moved with her mother to Camas, Washington, and began working at the Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill.
On August 23, 1952, Helen married the love of her life, James Cunningham Temple Jr. Together, they built a warm and joyful home filled with laughter, music, dance, and the comforting aroma of delicious food. Helen's greatest joy came from raising their three children-Cheryl Marie, Lisa Ann, and Robert James-whom she loved unconditionally and supported fiercely.
Helen's world changed forever when she was widowed in 1971. From that moment forward, she channeled all of her strength and love into being both mother and father to her children. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, holding several jobs including cook and housekeeper at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Rectory, teacher's aide at a local elementary school, and later, at Frito-Lay until her retirement. She taught herself countless skills, and became a fiercely independent woman-leading her children on memorable road trips and instilling in them the same resilience and joy she carried throughout her life.
Her door was always open and her kitchen always full. No one ever visited without being offered something to eat or drink. Helen was known not only for her hospitality but also for her sharp wit, infectious laughter, and the way she made every person feel welcome and loved. A lover of jokes and pranks, she had a knack for turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. Family gatherings were never complete without a round of her favorite card game, "Hand and Foot," or a meal at her favorite restaurant, The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Later in life, Helen moved to Shorewood East Condominiums, and eventually to The Quarry Independent Senior Living Facility. For the final months of her life, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Cheryl.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents, Cosmer and Gunver; her son-in-law Kyle Cannon, siblings Alda Neil, Martha Hansen, and Cosmer "CJ" Rapsavage; brothers-in-law Gordon Neil, Lloyd Hansen, Thomas Temple, Les Jorg, Rick Ricker; sisters-in-law Minnie Rapsavage, Helen Jorg, Marge Ricker, Connie Temple; and nephews Marlin Neil, Michael Neil, Peter Hansen, Robert "Mick" Hansen, Douglas Rapsavage and Tyler Hansen.
She is survived by daughters Cheryl Cannon, Lisa (Dave) White, son, Robert (Ramona) Temple, grandchildren, Austin (April) White, Rachel (Rick) Doyle, Kayla Temple, Kelli Temple, Amanda Chamberlain, Kylie Cannon, great grandchildren, Jane White, Alyssa Saunders, Joshua Chamberlain, Jacob Chamberlain, and several nieces and nephews.
Helen's memory lives on through the countless lives she touched. Her family will forever carry the lessons she taught-of faith, perseverance, humor, and the sacredness of shared meals and moments. She was truly the heart of her family, and her legacy of love will endure for generations.
Services will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025
At St. Joseph's Catholic Church - 400 S Andresen Rd, Vancouver, WA 98661
10:00 am Rosary
11:00 am Mass
12:00 pm Luncheon in the Marion Hall
At Camas Cemetery - - 630 NE Oak St, Camas, WA 98607
2:30 pm Burial