Helen Mae Beckman (Conway) was born Oct. 26, 1918 and passed away peacefully at her home, of 75 years, in Clinton, Wash., on Whidbey Island, April 13, 2020 at the wise age of 101. Interestingly, Helen was born during the year of the Spanish Flu pandemic, and passed away in the year of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Helen was born in Marathon, Iowa and lived early life in Pipestone City, Minn. When she was age 11 (1930), her parents decided to caravan west, settling in Mount Vernon, Wash.

While working as a waitress in Everett, Helen met Dale Beckman, who she would marry on Aug. 17, 1940. In 1942, they settled in Clinton, raising their four daughters. Dale Beckman would pass away in September, 1985. Helen continued to remain in their home, overlooking the Clinton ferry, where Dale spent his career as a captain.

Helen was a devoted wife, loving mother and loyal friend. She enjoyed the fun that her and Dale would have, often going dancing. She taught her daughters a work ethic, as they would raise chickens and pigs, milk the cow, and tend the garden. Helen and Dale would also welcome Helen’s father to live with them.

Helen would need to keep a keen eye on her daughters, informing Dale each evening, the antics that the kids were up to that day. She was the matriarch of a large family, including six generations. In later years, her granddaughter, Debbie Stockholm (Tuff), would move in, and they would care for each other for more than 20 years.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Dale; parents, Frederick and Mary (Pelley) Conway; siblings, Earl, Doris and Ronald.

She is survived by four amazing daughters, Betty Novarra (Vincent, deceased), Sharon Pappas (Louis), Donna Hanson (Bill) and Barbara “Boom Boom” Compton (John); eight beautiful grandchildren; 15 loving great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-great-grandchildren. One blessed family, all because of you, Helen Mae Beckman.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!

A memorial will be held following current social distancing guidelines. As an expression of sympathy, please send memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.