Obituary

Helena was born October 10, 1984 to Marilyn R. Jefferson and Wilfred E. LaClair Sr in Bellingham, Washington. She was a life long resident of Whatcom County and attended school in Ferndale, WA. She is an enrolled member of the Lummi Nation and descendent of Skokomish Tribe.

Helena was a very kind, compassionate and determined individual. She claimed to be an introvert but really could get along with anyone. She would be best known for her bright smile. You were always guaranteed a big hug and hear “love you” as she hugged you.

Helena met the love her life, Samuel Tso at Ferndale High School when they were 16 years old. The high school sweet hearts remained together and had two children Kalen and Nakaia. They celebrated their 12^th wedding anniversary this last June and this November they would have celebrated 21 loving years together.

Helena was a member of the Autumn Rose Canoe Club racing traditional war canoes and Polynesian outrigger canoes. She raced all over the Pacific Northwest and was fortunate to travel to New Zealand to race in the World Sprints. It was her medicine to be on the water with her canoe sisters.

She was a self-taught cook crafting creative and tasteful meals. She took much joy in preparing her meals to feed those she loved. She comes from large families on both parent’s side. She shared special bonds with all of them and family was one of the most important things to her.

Helena passed away surrounded by her loved ones on October 30, 2021.  She is survived by her husband Samuel Tso;  children Kalen Tso and Nakaia Tso; mother Marilyn Jefferson (Cassimir) and father Wilfred La Clair Sr.;  siblings Heather Jefferson, Wilfred La Clair Jr (Jeanette) and Tony Boome (Dorothy); nieces Kristina, Annie, Lauricia and Heaven; nephews Patrick and William; in-laws Danita Washington and Ron Tso; sister-in-law Lena Tso and niece Sophia; and many many many aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Lily Schultz, Robert Jefferson; paternal grandparents Helen (Lane) La Clair, Cyril La Clair; uncles Robert Jefferson, Adrian Jefferson, Cyril (King) LaClair, Bill La Clair, Edward LaClair Sr., Wilburt LaClair; aunts Geraldine LaClair, Lucy LaClair, Edith Simmonds and Yvonne Lane.

A prayer services will be held Tuesday November 2, 2021 at 6:00pm and a funeral service on Wednesday November 3, 2021 at 10:00am. All services will take place at the family home 2651 Lummi Shore Road Bellingham, WA.