Obituary

Helen L. Warden, wife of John Warden, mother of Rosalie Nast and grandmother of Thomas Nast and Emily Reedy, peacefully entered her Heavenly home on October 27, 2016.

She was born in 1918 in Lewistown, MT to Louise Jenni McCrery and Clifford McCrery. Her mother died a few days after her birth, so Helen and her older sisters, Laura and Margaret, were cared for by their grandmother until they each went to live with an aunt. Helen was raised by John and Hulda Reis in Roy, MT, graduating from high school, then attending normal school in Bozeman, MT.

She met her husband, John, while both were teaching in Harlowton, MT and they were married in Lewistown, MT in 1940. They both shared a love of music; Helen was an excellent pianist, favoring Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel. A son, born in 1941, only lived a few days.

In 1943, daughter Rosalie was born. Helen’s husband served in Europe in the Army for three years, during which time she and Rosalie lived with her mother and father in Cushman, MT. In 1947 the family moved to Orting, WA where Helen taught elementary school. In 1950, a move to Bellingham, WA found Helen teaching in the Bellingham School District, including Lowell, Columbia, Roeder, and Roosevelt schools.

In addition to teaching, Helen was active in First Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and helping her husband John with the English Handbell Choir. She served on the Sehome Arboretum board, taught school children about salmon at Maritime Heritage Park, and often played the piano for Y’s Buys Teas. John and Helen were honored by Big Brothers and Sisters of NW Washington as the 1982 Grandparents of the Year and as Outstanding Couple; Super Senior Award in 1990. She was a faithful member of the Ginny Whitney Circle at her church and helped with the seniors group, the Hilltoppers. Many friends of all ages were touched by her kindness and her love for her Lord.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, infant son, husband, and sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Rosalie Nast of Bellingham; grandson, Thomas Nast of Portland, OR; granddaughter Emily Reedy of Waxhaw, NC; and great grandchildren Kylie and Logan.

The family would like to thank the staff of Rosewood Villa, Highgate Memory Care, and Whatcom Hospice for their loving care of Helen during her final years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Warden Memorial Scholarship or to the Deacons’ Fund at First Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1031 N. Garden St. on Friday, November 18 at 2:00 pm.