Helene Elsbeth Spangler

Helene Spangler passed away Monday at the age of 91. She was born in San Francisco to John and Katherine Rippe. Helene attended Lowell High School, and College of Marin where she met her husband, Paul Spangler. They were married in 1946 and shortly after, moved to Portland, Oregon where her children Katy and Cal were born. In 1957 the family moved to West Seattle. Helene and Paul moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1976, and then resettled in Edmonds in 1981. After her beloved husband Paul died in 1992, Helene remained in her home at Elm Place, Edmonds until her final move to the Ida Culver House Broadview in Seattle last summer. Helene grew up in a close-knit German family in San Francisco. Vacations were spent in the country at a summer home in Los Gatos. She lived in Kentfield with her grandmother while at college, and then remained with her parents in the Mission District until her marriage. As a young woman she worked for the telephone company and, during The War, for the Government. When Pauls job relocated them to Portland, Helene was homesick for her family. Once the kids were born, Helene found her true calling as a mother, working for the PTA and Scouts, baking cookies and keeping a beautiful home. After the kids left home, Helene and Paul enjoyed their empty nest. They spent a few winters in the Palm Springs area, and traveled extensively throughout the country, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe and Central America. Helene maintained many friendships from her girlhood in San Francisco, the Aqua Vista Garden Club in West Seattle, and Elm Place, Edmonds. She was an avid reader and enjoyed needlework, crafts and gardening. She could score a baseball game, make beautiful flower arrangements and name the birds in her feeders. She enjoyed fishing and making the best raspberry jelly in the world. Everyone remembers Helene as the sweetest person, and many would say, because she was always up for something new, she was a sport. In her later years, macular degeneration limited her lifestyle. She lived a long, graceful and happy life, and will be remembered fondly by everyone. Helene is survived by her daughter Katy Spangler (Mike McCormick) of Eagle River, Alaska, and son Cal Spangler of Shoreline; grandchildren Caitlin Clarke, Patrick McCormick, Phillip Collins and Mary McCormick; sister-in-law Jean Coleman; many nieces and nephews; and special friend Marcia Bergman. The family wishes to thank the exceptional caregivers at the Ida Culver House Broadview and from HomeCare Masters, who all made Helenes final months comfortable and safe. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 2 pm, with reception following, at Becks Funeral Home, 405 Fifth Ave South, Edmonds, WA 98020. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to YMCA Camp Colman, 909 4 th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104; 206-382-5009. Announcement: In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to YMCA Camp Colman, 909 4 th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104; 206-382-5009.