Daryl and Donna e-mailed to ask that we publish news of Helen Finnell‘s passing, explaining, “Helen was a resident of West Seattle from approximately 1948-2003 and volunteered for a number of years at both the West Seattle Senior Center and Food Bank.” Her memorial and burial are set for this Tuesday. Read ahead for the full announcement:

Helen Johanna (Otto) Finnell – May 20, 1912 – August 25, 2010

Helen Finnell, age 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 25 in Bellevue, Wash., surrounded by her four daughters: Arlene, Ruth, Beverly and Donna. Helen was born in Madison, Minn. to Paul Lauber and Lena (Zarse) Lauber. She was one of nine children.

On March 28, 1930, Helen married Thomas Robert Otto. They had six children: Paul (Ida) Otto of Keystone Heights, Florida; Arlene (Ralph) Wolf of Orting, Wash.; Margaret Scott, Ruth (George) Arsenian of Kirkland, Wash.; Beverly Gregg of Seattle, Wash.; and Donna (Daryl) Brewer of Sammamish, Wash. Helen has 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Several years after Thomas’ passing, Helen was re-married to George Finnell.

Helen was known for her generous and giving spirit. While living in West Seattle, she spent countless hours volunteering at the Senior Center. She also loved baking, and her family could always count on eating her delicious meals, jams, pies, rosettes and more. Every family member can point to at least one hand-crocheted item lovingly made for them by Helen. From graduations to weddings to new babies, Helen’s handcrafts were always gifts that her family loved to receive, and will treasure for years to come.

Helen is preceded in death by two husbands: Thomas Otto and George Finnell; two children: Paul Otto and Margaret Scott; eight siblings; two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 31 at 1 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle. A burial service will follow at Washington Memorial at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow at Glen Acres Golf and Country Club.

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