I came across this obituary on theSeattleTimes.com of a Mountlake Terrace woman who obviously had a big effect on those around her:

Helen Margaret SAGEN Born May 29, 1922 in Deering, North Dakota, Helen passed away peacefully at home January 9, 2010, after living with cancer for 28 years.

Helen moved to Seattle during WWII in order to work for Boeing as a “Rosie the Riveter”. After WWII she returned to North Dakota where she met her husband of 65 years, Donald Sagen. They moved back to Seattle in ’51 with their young son and daughter. Helen retired from University of Washington after over 30 years employment.

Helen is survived by her husband Don, her son Bill Sagen and daughterBev Sagen (Caroline), her sisters Joyce Runnell (John), Jeannie Haugeberg (Don) and her brother Lyle Mayher (Elaine), She also leaves her grandchildren Evin Sagen, Erin Sagen (Darin), Nicholas Sagen Lipsky (Kristen), and Kyrany Sagen-Cook, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Bud and her sister Bobby.

Helen was a kind woman and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be sent to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave North, Ste 340, Seattle 98109.

One of our MLTnews contributors, Mark, was a neighbor of Helen’s and here is what he had to say about her:

Helen was a powerful and loving soul that touched our family greatly. While we were only blessed with knowing her for about 8 years, it was 8 years a greetings with a smile… a wave… a look that made you feel welcome and loved. She had a power to draw people in and together and felt secure being around her.

Helen was a blessing to know, a blessing to see, and a joy to this world.

Helen, I’m going max bet and spinning for all 7’s just for you!

Mark & Theresa (Neighbors)

You can read more words from Helen’s friends and family here.