Dorothy Louise Helman

Born Dorothy Louise Larsen May 25, 1936, raised in Seattle WA by her parents John A. Larsen (Holmsnes Norway), and Agnes V. Sjodin (Hoodgal WA), passed away peacefully March 28, 2025, with family by her side.

Dorothy grew up in North Seattle, graduated from Ballard High School and soon began working for Seattle City Light where she met and eventually married the love of her life, Edward Owen Helman, June 28, 1968. After leaving City Light to devote time to raising her daughters, she started a new career at Highland Terrace Elementary in the Shoreline School District. She started as a volunteer with the PTA, then hired as a playground and lunchroom attendant, and went on to fill numerous administrative roles to finally land as secretary, the position she held at retirement 23 years later. She often spoke fondly of the many friends, parents and students she had the pleasure of working with over her many years at the school.

She enjoyed many adventures through the years. Some favorite vacations included family road trips to the coast, Husky football road games, exploring Europe, connecting with extended family in Norway and cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. She treasured attending as many of the grandsons’ games, meets, concerts and scholastic events as she could manage. At home she enjoyed reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, PC games, researching and creating detailed family history photo albums, and baking the best chocolate chip cookies (the jar was always loaded).

A devoted Wife, Mother and Grandmother she unconditionally loved and supported her family with an open heart, kind nature and playful sense of humor. Dorothy/Mom/Grandma will be deeply missed by her immediate family, extended family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Edward Helman, daughters, Laurie Wootton (Mark), Janet Helman (Juan Carlos), grandsons Evan and Max, Karen Lagasca (Bob), grandsons Grayson and Avery, brother Larry Larsen (Monica), and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Agnes, sister Doris Joan Ogden (and Merrill).

A Private Graveside Service will be held at Evergreen Washelli in Seattle, Washington.

A memorial celebration of Dorothy’s life may be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.

I’m There Inside Your Heart

Right now I’m in a different place,

And though we seem apart,

I’m closer than I ever was…

I’m there inside your heart.

I’m with you when you greet each day

And while the sun shines bright,

I’m there to share the sunsets, too…

I’m with you every night.

I’m with you when the times are good,

To share a laugh or two,

And if a tear should start to fall…

I’ll still be there for you.

And when that day arrives

That we no longer are apart,

I’ll smile and hold you close to me…

Forever in my heart.

…anonymous