Helen Marie Hysjulien

Helen Marie Hysjulien passed away Feb. 6, 2007, at Avalon Care Center in Othello. Helen was born March 9, 1929, in Ellensburg, to Hugh and Ida Carney. In 1950, Helen married Glen Hysjulien and together they moved to Othello in 1952. She graduated from Central Washington University and she taught kindergarten in Othello for over thirty years.

Helen's love for children and warm personality were hallmarks of her extraordinary teaching career. In the community, her family and friends have heard people say, "Mrs. Hysjulien was always my favorite teacher," more times than they can remember. She was an exceptionally gifted educator. She also had a passion for mentoring future teachers. In her room was a plaque that stated, "To Teach is to Touch Someone's Life Forever." Helen lived that motto.

Helen also had an incredible capacity for friendship. Her zest for life, enthusiasm, and ability to make people feel like they were the most important person in the world made her everybody's best friend. She was one of the most admired and loved members of the community. Even in retirement, one of her great loves was transporting all her friends for their various activities.

She loved quilting, stained glassing, bird watching, and woodworking. Also, in retirement her love of education continued. She led Columbia Basin Wildlife Refuge Tours for elementary students as well as taught and attended classes in the Othello Community Schools program. Through the years Helen was active and took a leadership role in many community organizations.

Helen is survived by her children Jim Hysjulien of the Tri-Cities and Janice (Aaron) Lint of Mount Vernon, Wash.; grandchildren Braden, Brad, Mikel, and Matthew Danielson, and Benjamin, Rachel, David and Katherine Hysjulien; as well as honorary family members Danny and Tina Mendez and their daughters, Veronica and Jennifer, and Bob and Lori Carlson and their daughter Rachel. She is also survived by brothers Larry Carney, Pat Carney, Mike Carney, and Paul Carney, and sisters Ida Denning and Freida Perazzo.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Glen and brothers George and Joesph Carney.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Othello Church of the Nazerene with a graveside service following at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens. Visitation and viewing will be held Friday, Feb. 9, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Chapel and from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Othello Church of the Nazarene. In memory of Helen's love of teaching and mentoring teachers, contributions may be made to the Helen Hysjulien Memorial at US Bank to support academic scholarships. Arrangements are in care of Stevens Funeral Chapel.