Helen Marilyn Oman York

Helen York went to be with the Lord in Heaven on June 11th 2020 after she passed away in Kent, Washington from natural causes. She was 88 years old.

Helen was born in Seattle, Washington on the 18th of April 1932. She was one of 3 daughters born to the union of her parents, Victor and Gunhild Oman. Helen grew up in Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High.

It was during her high school years that Helen met the love of her life and future husband-to-be, Joseph York. Helen was walking down the street in West Seattle when Joe pulled up and asked if she would like a ride. The two hit it off immediately and were married on April 5th 1952. They bought a house in West Seattle and soon they were blessed with 3 children – Vicki, Mike and Brian.

Helen worked part time as she raised her children at Fisher’s Flower Mill and the Sears Bargain Basement. She was also very involved in the West Seattle Christian Church, where she made many dear friends. She was active in their Woman’s group and helped to set up many church events, such as the one we are celebrating today.

Helen was an extremely positive and wonderful woman who never said a bad thing about anything or anyone. She treasured her family and friends and absolutely loved spending time with them. Large family gatherings at her home with all of her loved ones; always brought joy to her life!

She was very giving, loving and understanding as a mother and she enjoyed all of her grandchildren immensely. She loved her animals, including her dog Charlie and cats Panzy, Thomas and Bandit.

Helen enjoyed reading and spending time outdoors, such as her relaxing walks at Alki beach. Her favorite colors were purple and pink and the TV show she enjoyed routinely watching with her husband was Gunsmoke.

Her daughter, Vicki loved her mother immensely, like the blooming of a rose.

All of Helen’s children were very close to their mother and she always treated their friends like they were family as well.

When Helen fell ill, Alex and Jessica Helen’s grandchildren, lived at the home for 2 ½ years. Along with Vicki’s help the 3 of them gave her the best love and care a family could provide. This blessing allowed Helen to spend this precious time in her own home, before needing more professional care. From there Helen was moved to a beautiful Adult Family Home, in Kent where she passed away almost 2 ½ years later.

We could not have asked for any better care, as they adored our Mom!

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Victor & Gunhild Oman, her sister Joanne McDonald and her husband of 67 years Joseph Othel York. Those who remain to cherish Helen’s memory include:

 Her sister – Sylvia McDonald

 Her daughter – Vicki (Bill Polk) York

 Her sons – Mike York and Brian (Nancy) York

 Her grandchildren – Alex, Maxwell, Jessica & Hunter York and

 Her great grandson – Aidan York.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, the 22nd of June 2020 in the Forest Lawn funeral home chapel. Helen’s final resting place will be with her husband Joseph, at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to West Seattle Christian Church 4400 42nd Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116, where many members of Joe & Helen’s family attended and served faithfully. We will miss Hellen. And we will treasure her deeply in our hearts, forever.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at the Forest Lawn funeral home website for the York family.