Obituary of Helen Anderson

Helen Anderson A Camas, WA resident since 1935, Helen M. Anderson died of several long-term medical problems including several cancers, at home on February 16, 2005 with her family by her side. She was 88 years old. Helen was born May 21,1916 in Bellingham, Washington and was adopted by A.E and Lula McKenzie. She lived in Bellingham until she graduated from New Whatcom Normal School now Western Washington University. She moved to Camas and taught at the old Woodburn School at the top of Crown Road for two years. She met C.A. ''Andy'' Anderson during this time and was married to him Sept. 3,1937 at her parents home in Bellingham, WA. They made their home in Camas where they raised their 8 children. After the youngest was 2, she returned to teaching and taught 2nd grade at Helen Baller School for many years, then was a testing psychologist at Helen Baller for a few years, retiring because her eyesight was failing. During this time she went to night classes at Portland State and Univ. of Oregon and received three masters degrees, one in elementary education, one in remedial reading, and one in testing psychology. She was in the midst of doing the required counseling hours for a PHD in psychology for her doctorate when her vision stopped her. Her interests included reading, being a 4-H leader for many years, a Girl Scout leader for a few years, canning, sewing, knitting, gardening, and most any home making skill to keep a growing family fed and dressed. She was preceded in death by her husband C. A. ''Andy'' Anderson and a daughter Sara Louise. She is survived by her 5 sons, Jere wife Judy, Leslie Carrie, Marc wife JoAnn, Eric, and David, and by three daughters, Leona Thayer husband Clint, Serena McDole, and Nancy Madsen husband Jim. She had 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26th at 2pm at the Harvest Community Church, 2436 NW Astor, Camas. She wants it to be fun and light hearted so please bring any photos and stories to share. In place of flowers, she asked that donations be made to the Camas/Washougal Greenway, c/o Parks Foundation, P.O. Box 2397, Vancouver, WA 98668.