Helen F Falcone

Helen Mercedes Falcone, age 98, of Peoria, Arizona, died August 21, 2017. The daughter of Norman and Mathilde (Jacobson) Fjosee, Helen was born in Conrad, Montana on May 8, 1919 and raised there. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Helen was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority for over 75 years. She married Joseph Falcone on September 7, 1946 in Conrad. They were married 70 years until his passing last year. Helen worked as a professional dietician in several hospitals from California, to Illinois, to West Virginia, until 1962, when she moved with her family to Olympia, Washington, where they opened a Western Auto hardware store. The family-operated store was a central focus of their lives for the next 24 years until retirement in 1986.

The store created the opportunity for many social contacts in the community. Helen was active in many Olympia community events and volunteer activities, including Zonta International. In 1986, Helen and Joe began “snow birding” between Olympia and Sun City West, Arizona. Many Montanans from Helen’s youth also wintered in Arizona, and she became reacquainted with them through the Sun City West Montana Club, in addition to many golfing, bridge and other social engagements. In 2012, they decided to stay in sunny Arizona full time.

Helen had an eternally young attitude with a constant zest for life. She was always ready with a positive “Let’s go” to new suggestions. She took up alpine skiing in her 60’s, and loved golfing into her mid-90’s. Helen and Joe also enjoyed travelling over much of the world, visiting and making new friends where ever they went.

Helen was an active member at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia and Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West.

Helen is survived by her three sons, Mark (Denise) Falcone of Laguna Beach, California, Norman Falcone of Olympia, and Joseph C. (Mary Beth) Falcone of Broomfield, Colorado, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her brother Wayne Fjosee, a niece Karen Fjosee, and a nephew Anthony Falcone III.

Helen will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 29, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the American Heart Association at https://donatenow.heart.org (or American Heart Association, PO Box 742030, Los Angeles, CA 90074-2030, or 1-800-242-8721.)

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.