Helen L Blackmore

Helen left her earthly home October 9, 2010 at the age of 83. She saw her white light and went peacefully into her God’s hands. Her wishes were granted of not being a burden to her children and dying peacefully surrounded with love.

Helen grew up on a farm in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin in an Irish Catholic family of 11 children. She was free spirit and a tomboy and loved being part of this loving commotion. Her mother, Elizabeth, died of congestive heart failure (CHF) when Helen was 11 years old. When Helen was diagnosed with CHF late in life, it made her feel closer to her mama. Her papa, Frank, was strict but a loving father who loved to laugh and dance.

Helen was proud to be an Honor Society student in high school. She moved to Oregon when she was 20 years old to live with her sister June. She married Don DeVoll and had six children. “Raising you children, were the happiest days of my life,” she would often say.

She worked as a sales clerk in Rodger’s Dime Store to support three of her children still at home after she divorced Don. “We were poor, but we were happy,” she always said.

Her best friend since 1958, Delores Hovey, introduced her to Overton (Blackie) Blackmore in 1973. They were married in 1981 and had 25 wonderful years together. “We lived happily ever after, safe and content in our cozy home,” she wrote in her journal. She was caring for him at home when he died in 2006.

She was a member of St. Cecilia’s parish for many years and volunteered at the Portland YWCA and St. Cecilia’s Social Concerns.

In 2007, she got a phone call from an old boyfriend from Wisconsin, Mike Chapman. They renewed their love and friendship and exchanged cards, letters and phone calls every week. His love and friendship during these last year’s kept her young at heart and their youthful memories alive. We’d just have to say “How’s Mike” and her face would light up and her eyes would sparkle with the love she felt from him.

Helen wanted to be remembered as a character who enjoyed life. She was curious, open minded and gave unconditional love to everyone she met. She loved to talk, laugh and have fun. She took pride in enjoying a simple life and not being fussy. Vanilla was her favorite flavor of ice cream and peanut butter was her favorite sandwich. “I like my life to be like my home; simple and uncluttered,” she wrote.

Family, friends and faith were what she valued most. She loved family gatherings and to stay in touch with extended family through letters and phone calls. She had many close friends and enjoyed their lunches out together and later, regular phone calls. Her faith sustained her and gave her strength through the good times and the bad. As a Flanagan, she had Irish pride and always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.

Some of her favorite things were early morning hours, rain, daily walks, the ocean, and the sound of a train whistle at night.

She found joy in reading, playing the piano, visiting with family, and she found her sanctuary communing with God. Her life never seemed to be empty; the glass was always overflowing in her eyes. Even in private moments Helen lived on the bright side of life full of optimism, grace and a genuine happiness for all she had. Her legacy lives on with her family not only through a blood line, but through memories rich in love, laughter, and lemon drops left on the counter for her grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her six children: Kell DeVoll, Port Orford; Kris Jeanfaivre, Oregon City; Karen DeVoll, Kim DeVoll, and Kevin DeVoll, all from the Portland metro area; and Kirk DeVoll, Bend; Eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren and a third on the way; sister, June Goard, Anchorage Alaska; brother, Joe Flanagan, Waukeesha, WI; her niece and goddaughter, Kathryn Flanagan, Seattle, WA; her oldest, special friend Mike Chapman; and many nieces and nephews and their extended families. She was preceded in death by her husband Overton (Blackie) Blackmore and her sisters Leah Marie, Ida Mae, Terri, Margaret, Louise (Sister DeSales) and brothers Charlie, Don, and Christy (Father Flanagan).

The family would like to acknowledge the loving, dedicated staff at Markham House who took such good care of her. We’d also like to thank the staff and medical professionals at Fanno Creek Clinic and St. Vincent Hospital who always treated her with dignity and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association. A private family service will be held.

Always the organizer and caretaker of others, she left this poem in her journal to share. May her spirit and love flow through us all, so we too can leave a trail of loving kindness.

To Each of You I Knew and Loved

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me – but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go see the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me - but let me go.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.