Helen Locey

Helen was born on October 19, 1917 in South Dakota to Ole Abelseth and Anna Grinde Abelseth. She was the second of their four children: George Abelseth (predeceased), Helen, Mae Abelseth Omodt(predeceased), and their youngest brother, Fred Abelseth, who sadly died at the age of two. Her father, Ole, was a third-class passenger and survivor of the Titanic, an extraordinary part of the Abelseth family history.

Helen grew up in South Dakota and remained there through High School. After graduation, she moved to Minnesota with friends of the family and began her nursing training. Her decision to become a nurse would eventually take her far from home.

During World War II, Helen was sent to the Philippines, where she served as a nurse. She cared for others during a difficult and uncertain time and was part of a generation that quietly stepped forward and did what needed to be done.

After the war, in 1945, Helen met and fell in love with Jack H. Locey, who was born in Makawao, Hawaii. They married and built their life together in Mill Valley, California, where they raised their 3 sons, David H. Locey, Jerry G. Locey and Robert C. Locey.

During the 1960's, Helen and Jack began making frequent trips to Maui, where they spent time with close relatives and grew increasingly attached to the island. In time, they decided Maui was where they wanted to settle and found a piece of property where they could begin another chapter of their life together.

Helen had a great love of the outdoors. She enjoyed hiking on Haleakala and exploring the natural beauty of Maui. When she and Jack traveled back to the mainland for his duck-hunting adventures, Helen enjoyed visiting National Parks and discovering new places along the way.

She also had a wonderfully creative side. Helen made scenery pictures using dried leaves and other natural materials she collected on her hikes, walks along the beach, and during her travels. She had a gift for seeing the beauty in simple things and turning what she found into something special.

Helen was also an accomplished duplicate bridge player. After many years devoted to the game, she earned the distinction of "Ruby Life Master" in the American Contract Bridge League. Bridge challenged her mind , kept her active, and brought her many friendships and treasured bridge partners over the years.

At the age of 105, Helen received recognition for her service during World War II. She was honored by the Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., as a living legend and was also recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with a personal letter and medallion. Helen was deeply touched by the recognition and, with the humility that was so much a part of her character, wondered why someone who did not even know her would show her such generosity.

Helen is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jack H. Locey (predeceased); her three sons, David H. Locey of Washington, Jerry G Locey (Libby Rolnick) of California and Robert C. Locey (Patty Locey) of Maui; her two grandchildren, Sarah Locey of South Dakota and Rosey Tavares (Patrick Tavares) of Maui.

She will also be remembered with love by her nephews Fred Omodt (Patty), Will Omodt (Marylyn), and Boyd Abelseth (Vicki); Her Locey relatives in Honolulu, Anthony Locey, Clinton Locey, Matthew Locey, and John Locey; her Kauai family, including nephew Mike Locey, niece Leslie Locey, Patrick Locey, and Steve Locey; niece Laura Burley (Ron Burley); her cousin Donna Mae Skulborstad Pope (Jim Pope) of Arizona; and many close relatives throughout the United States and Norway.

It is difficult to capture 108 years of life in only a few paragraphs. Helen witnessed extraordinary changes in the world and lived a life filled with service, family, travel, creativity, the beauty of Maui, and friendships formed around the bridge table. Yet to those who knew her best, she was simply Mom, Grandma, a bridge partner, a friend, and family.

Helen will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.