Helen Elizabeth Staples

Helen Elizabeth Staples Our beloved mother, Helen, born on November 8, 1921 to Elmer and Rosalia (Illg) Deslauriers in Avoca, Minnesota, passed away on November 29, 2007 in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 86. While employed by her uncle she met Leo. Their mutual attraction brought them together and eventually the two fell in love, married in 1942 and moved to Fort Lewis, WA. Helen was a devout Catholic and an active member of the church. She had a genuine interest in and compassion for other people while her beloved family was her proudest accomplishment. Helen's favorite hobbies were celebrating God, gardening, cooking and assisting the less fortunate. At Cabrini, she was affectionately known as the "pie lady" as she would bake upwards of 60 pies at any one time in order to help with church and school fund raising activities. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, her son Raymond and her sister Joyce Homan. She is survived by her two sisters, Ethel Madson and Verdella Slater, a brother Norbert Deslauriers, sons Ronald and Randal. She delighted in having three special daughters-in-law, Cecile, Vickey and Patti. They were her best friends and great mothers to her eight grandsons, Michael, Shawn, Joseph, Steve, Jay, Jeremy, Ryan and Scott. She also has eleven great-grandchildren. A special thanks to the ladies at the Franciscan Hospice House for their caring and tenderness over the last few days of her life. Helen was an inspiration to all and will be deeply missed. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 5, 2007 11:00 am, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Lakewood. Rosary will be recited on Tuesday December 4, 2007, 7:00 pm at the church. Entombment at Calvary Cloisters. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com .