Helen Castle

Helen Castle was born Elena Zirianova on May 28, 1925 in Manchuria, China to Trofim and Polina Zirianoff. Most of her youth was spent in China, until she met her husband, John Castle, on a blind date. Despite a language barrier they quickly fell in love and were married on September 9, 1946. In 1947 they moved to America to be closer to John’s family and to start their new life together.

Helen was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother and Great-great grandmother and was known affectionately by her family as “GG”. She was a woman of many accomplishments: writer, painter, seamstress, and even acted in her school’s play. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do! Her self-published novel is a memoir of her mother’s journey from Siberia to America, a written documentation of her family history.

They had the opportunity to live in Spain for a few years where she garnered inspiration for their dream home in Burien WA. When they returned to the U.S., they completed their Spanish style hacienda. They lived happily in this home for many years and hosted a multitude of memorable family gatherings there.

Family was a cornerstone value of Helen’s, and she was always there for those who needed her. Well known for her Christmas cookies, her family could always anticipate a special tin with their name on it. Helen enjoyed hosting the family gatherings and especially Russian Orthodox Easter.

Helen passed away peacefully on September 16th with the knowledge she would be joining the love of her life forever. She was a strong woman with a loving demeanor, an inspiration to many. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, daughter, Mary, and husband of 76 years, John. She is survived by her children, BJ, Paula (Charles), Vera (Leo), (Don), 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawn-seattle.com for the Castle family.