Helen Margaret Robel

On the morning of November 22nd, 2022, Helen Robel was welcomed by God to Heaven. Born in Yakima, Washington, Helen became a well-known friendly face in the Capitol Hill neighborhood over many decades.

A Seattle native since the age of 20, Helen moved west from Yakima to start her career at AT&T. To the credit of her two sisters, Jean and Theresa, Helen met the love of her life, Steve Robel, through their mutual ties at Seattle University, where Steve was a professor. The two were married in 1954, and within seven years they had six children.

There are many reasons Helen will be so dearly remembered and missed; her charismatic nature, her love for people, and her charm. Helen was a people-person, and she was someone who would make friends with the stranger on the street. She had a unique gift of connecting with all people. She also LOVED throwing parties. It was not uncommon for Helen to invite the entire Capitol Hill neighborhood over to gather; more often than not, that meant 100 of Helen’s closest family and friends.

Helen was also well-known in the community as one of the most sought-after childcare providers on Capitol Hill. Her house was always full of children who were loved and guided as her own. She was a master multi-tasker, caring for 12 small children while simultaneously making a German chocolate cake from scratch and chocolate chip cookies for snack time.

Giving back was also important to Helen. She made and delivered sandwiches to Francis House regularly, and started her own tradition of ordering 50 hamburgers at a time from Dick’s, delivering them to St. Martin DePorres Shelter. In Helen’s eyes, everyone should have the chance to enjoy a good burger from Dick’s.

In 2004 Helen and Steve moved to their cozy house on Hood Canal. Three years later, Steve passed away and Helen lived there for another 11 years, working in her garden and enjoying the peaceful view of the canal. In 2018, she moved back to Capitol Hill to be closer to her family. Helen is survived by her children, Anne Anderson, Vince Robel (Karen Robel), Elizabeth Robel, Stephanie Robel, BJ Robel, and Chris Robel, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Please join us as we celebrate her life at the funeral service on December 29th at St. Joseph’s Parish on Capitol Hill at 11:00 am.