(Note: This obituary was published in The Goldendale Sentinel December 24, 2009.)

Helen Jensen

Former Goldendale resident Helen Louise Brondt Jensen died Dec. 8, 2009, in Des Moines.

Helen was born Dec. 27, 1913, in Ellensburg, to Edna and William Brondt. She graduated from Ellensburg High School, attended Central Washington State College, and graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Education. She taught school in Spangle. She married Malcolm "Pete" Jensen in 1940. They lived in Goldendale until they moved to Auburn in 1968.

Helen taught Home Economics at Goldendale High School. She also taught sewing classes at Green River Community College in Auburn, in her retirement years. Helen was extremely fond of her students and followed their lives and families until the end of her life.

She was active in the Methodist Church, the Philanthropic Educational Organization, Seattle Children's Hospital Guild, and was a 4-H leader for many years. Helen was a very accomplished seamstress. Her greatest joys were her family, her home, and her friends. Her optimism and spirit will be remembered in the hearts of her family forever.

Helen was preceded in her death by her parents; brothers Harold and Kenneth Brondt; sister Dorothy Dudley, and her beloved husband of 65 years, Pete. She is survived by daughter Phyllis Jensen Odell; son Michael Jensen; granddaughters, Kelly Odell and Sydney Odell; son-in-law Mark Odell; nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Goldendale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Klickitat County Historical Society (PO Box 86, Goldendale, WA 98620). Friends and family are invited to share the memories and sign the online guest book at yahnandson.com.