Helen V. Paradis

Helen V. Paradis, 93 of Yakima, died Sunday, January 17, 2010, the results of a long life, lived well. Mom was born in Kansas City, Kansas on February 27, 1916. She moved to Spokane, Washington in 1936 where she met and married dad, Robert J. (Bob) Paradis, her husband of 57 years. During 1943 mom and dad purchased Playland Park in Selah, Washington, the largest dancehall and tavern in Central Washington, and operated the dancehall until closing it during 1956. During 1947, they also opened and operated the “Little Chateau,” a family restaurant at Playland. During 1950 mom and dad moved their restaurant to Yakima airport. In 1962, they moved to Seattle to operate the Washington State Apple Commission Concession during the 1962 World’s Fair. Following the Fair, they opened and operated four fast service food businesses at the Seattle Center. Dad was the creative engineering and cooking talent and mom was the financial and general manager for all of their business ventures. Their mutual love of people was the most important aspect of their business. Together they were an incredible team. In the last years of her life, mom was carefully watched over by her beloved “sister” and sidekick, May Johnsen, with whom she shared movies, wine, dinners and companionship. Helen always looked forward to the time she spent with her nephews, Chris and Grant Johnsen, and to her weekly outings with her beloved nieces, Pat Brindle and Sonny LaRosee. We are indebted to all of them for their love and caring for mom. Mom is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her two brothers, Tom and Charles Johnsen and her dear friend, Kay Boespflug. She is survived by her children, Robert C., Jeanne Cherie and husband Lowell Dertinger, and Reuel L. and his wife Sharon, by her grandchildren Renee C. Paradis, J. Michael Paradis and wife Renee H., John Dertinger, Douglas Dertinger and Keri Anne Dertinger, by three great grandchildren, by her sister-in-law May Johnsen and by numerous nieces and nephews. We thank Del and Cheryl Miles and the wonderful staff of the Covenant House for providing mom the loving care which allowed her to live with great dignity in the last years of her life. Condolences may be offered at www.langevin-mussetter.com Mom’s family and friends celebrated her life during a private service on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The family requests any donations be made to “Public Service Recognition Scholarships” to honor mom’s support of education. Lynn Emery at (509) 454-3707 can be contacted for information about donations.