Helen Margaret Nelson

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December 10, 1914 - June 12, 2007
SALEM - Helen Margaret Nelson died on Tuesday, June 12, at the age of 92. She was born in Raymond, Washington to George M. Davis and Ethel Jones Davis. She went through school in Raymond, and enjoyed a happy childhood, along with her brother and five sisters. After her marriage to Donald Charles Nelson, they lived in San Francisco for many years. As a young mother, she was active in PTA and as a Camp Fire Girl advisor. Throughout her life she enjoyed decorating her home, sewing, knitting, and doing craft work. Donald and Helen and their two children moved to Salem in 1950. She worked in the business office at Miller's Department Store for a few years and then did accounting work for the Oregon Department of Employment for many years, retiring in 1977. She and Donald enjoyed having a Gleneden Beach retreat for many years, so when they retired they moved to a new home in Lincoln City. They enjoyed their retirement life there, where Helen was active in the Lion's auxiliary, the Elk's Emblem Club, and volunteered at the historical museum. She also played golf and was an avid bowler. They spent many hours beachcombing and rock polishing. Stray cats also were often welcomed into their home. Helen was a current member and a Past Matron of Trinity Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. For many years, our family enjoyed annual Davis family reunions, usually at the Oregon or Washington coasts. These reunions were highlighted by fierce competitions in ridiculous card games accompanied by much merriment. Helen always devoted her full time and effort to her husband and family. Helen and Donald enjoyed traveling during their retirement, visiting western states, Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska. A few years after Donald's death, in 1990, Helen returned to the Willamette Valley, living in Salem, Woodburn Senior Estates, and Mt. Angel Towers. She most recently lived at Orchard Heights Care Center. Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Denton and Paulette Nelson of Redmond; her daughter, Noreen Swanson of Keizer; her grandson and his wife, Kevin and Ida Lafky of Salem; and her granddaughter, Donna Jones of Redding, California. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Her sisters, Cleora Brunson, Madge Wilson, Betty Austin, Eleanor Blakely, and Dorothy Hazen; and her brother, Myron Davis, all preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 16, at Restlawn Funeral Home, 201 Oak Grove Rd NW, Salem, Oregon. A gathering of friends will be held at the Swanson home at 4 p.m.