Helen Liberg

10/09/1936 - 10/14/2010

LIBERG,
Helen Lois
(Age 74)

Helen Liberg passed away October 14, 2010 and has gone to be with our Lord in Heaven. She was born October 9, 1936 in Coeur d' Alene, ID, the eldest daughter of Jack and Bergit Walden. Helen graduated from Coeur d' Alene High School in 1954 and went on to attend North Idaho Junior College where she met her future husband of 55 years, Ray Liberg. Helen received her AA degree from North Idaho Junior College and went on to attend Eastern Washington University where she received her BA and her MA in Education. Helen was a History Teacher and Counselor at West Valley High School in the Spokane Valley for the majority of her career. She retired from West Valley in June, 1996 after completing a 35 year career in education. Helen always believed that education was a lifelong pursuit for the students she taught and counseled and modeled her beliefs by receiving her PhD from Gonzaga University in 1986. Her passion for teaching followed her into retirement as she became an Adjunct Professor at both Eastern Washington University and Whitworth University where she taught in their Graduate Programs. Helen's passion was working with kids. The legacy she leaves is one of compassion for others; helping students overcome challenges in pursuing their education; and helping them connect to educational and career opportunities after high school. Her life has touched thousands of children in our community in a very positive and meaningful way. She also actively supported Eastern Washington University as a member of the Alumni Association and served as the Association President. In addition Helen and her husband also enjoyed attending athletic and fundraising events with their "EWU Friends". She was a founding Board Member of the West Valley Education Foundation which was established to enhance the educational opportunities provided to students in the West Valley community. In her retirement, Helen devoted time to her other passions in life including traveling with her husband; reading and enjoying time with her book club; monthly luncheon gatherings with her high school friends; and most importantly, spending time with her family and grandchildren around the pool and at their sporting events. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and her eldest son, Jeff. She is survived by her husband Ray; sons: Brad (Tambra) Liberg and Brian (Debbie) Liberg; grandchildren: Ryan, Hunter, Madeline, John, and Michael; sisters: Mary Lou (Gary) Forness and Betty (Rick) Braddock. We are very grateful for all the doctors, caregivers, neighbors, pastors, and friends who cared for her and aided us in these past few years. We would also like to offer a special thank you to the Sacred Heart Medical Center staff for their care and empathy during her final days. Helen's memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, October 30th at 1:00 p.m., in the West Valley High School Auditorium, 8301 E. Buckeye Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Helen Liberg to the West Valley Education Foundation. Checks can be mailed to: West Valley Education Foundation, 2805 N. Argonne Road, Spokane, WA 99212.