Helen Anita Finch

      Helen Anita Finch was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Helen will be remembered as an outstanding individual.

       She was the daughter of John and Jenny Beecroft. Helen grew up in Beavercreek, Oregon.

      Helen was raised with two siblings. She had an older brother, Harvey Beecroft, and sister, Beverly Beecroft. Helen was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young girl, Helen had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Helen was an active child who took part in volleyball. She was a member of 4-H. In her spare time she liked to make dolls. However, to Helen, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

      A typical teenager, Helen had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was sewing.

      Helen enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Helen was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her associates degree in floristry from Mt. Hood Community College. Helen took numerous classes and was a dress designer for many years with a woman that did custom dress orders. She also took lessons and learned to ballroom dance.

       Empathic and loyal, Helen was committed to making her new family happy.

      Helen worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Helen was blessed with two children, one daughter, Cheryl, and one son, Terry. Another blessing for Helen was the gift of 3 grandchildren 6 great-grandchildren, Tamara Kravitz, John R. Pesonen, Thomas O. Pesonen.

      Fortunately, Helen enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Helen worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was in management. She was employed for Fred Meyer. Helen always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Helen enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were ballroom dancing, arts, crafts and sewing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Helen found pleasure in sports. In high school, Helen played volleyball. Helen was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so.

      Helen’s faith was important to her. She was a member of East Hill church for two years and New Hope Community Church for ten years.

      Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Helen was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included state and county fair blue and red ribbons for sewing quilts.

      Helen enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included going to Reno, Nevada and Three Sisters, Oregon.

      Helen was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Missy, a Springer Spaniel. They were best friends for nine years. Her family was rounded out by Cheryl's dog, Max, that had his eye removed. Helen was so caring and gentle with him after the operation. She would hold Max and sing songs to console him.

      When Helen’s retirement finally arrived in 1993, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found pleasure by staying active in church. Even in retirement, Helen continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Helen was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

      Helen passed away on March 14, 2009 at Portland Adventist Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Helen fought a brave battle against vascular disease which caused strokes and high blood pressure. She is survived by her child, Cheryl Savage, and her granchildren, Tamara, John and Tom. Services were held at Beavercreek Cemetery. Helen was laid to rest in Beavercreek Cemetery in Beavercreek, Oregon.

      Simply stated, Helen was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Helen leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Helen Anita Finch.