Helen Mathison Klein
July 9, 1918 - August 1, 2004
Obituary
Helen Mathison Klein, our Viking princess, went to be with the Lord Sunday August 1 , 2004 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Mom was born to a Norwegian couple, Carl and lnga Mathison 86 years ago in St. Paul, Minnesota where she attended high school. After high school she was employed at Tanner Lake, a well-known summer resort. The owners, Clara and Nick Schiltgen, were childless and treated her as a beloved daughter. She spent the days working and most nights dancing to an orchestra in the dancehall. It was here she owned her first horse and dog and developed a lifelong love of animals. In 1939 a road trip was planned and the three of them left Minnesota for Hemet, California and the healing mud baths. While there a Russian Cossack driver, Nicoli Nicholas, was hired for the remainder of the trip that included Arizona, Mexico and New Mexico. This adventure began her lifetime quest to travel. A few years later mom attended business school. She was employed in the corporate offices of Northwest Airlines during the first part of WWII where in conjunction with the government she worked on the Norden Bomb Site Project. ”Blondie” was always ahead of her time with fashion most markedly with the custom made hats she wore most days. Mom was the last of the group of Northwest Airlines women that corresponded for over 60 years. In 1944 she moved to New York as her husband Ben was stationed there in the Navy. She worked at Gotham Advertising, corresponded with a husband and 3 brothers who were away at war and became familiar with a city she grew to love.
After the war she returned to St Paul where she had three children before her husband was transferred to Auburn, Washington where her final daughter was born. Some years later she returned to work at Green River Thriftway. It was during this time that her husband passed. A few years later she moved into a condo in the Redondo area overlooking the water and Vashon Island. She met Harry Levitt who would become her devoted, loving companion for 26 years. During this time she worked at Miller Beauty Supply where she had a tight rein on the purse strings as head of the accounting department.
She served two terms as co-president of the Federal Way Women’s Club, had numerous friends and was always entertaining. She had a great love of life and all it had to offer.
Mom was devoted to her family, loved her horses and dogs and was always ready for a new adventure. She visited Greece with her daughter Barbara, Mexico with daughter Debbie and Maui with Sharon all of us share many good memories. She visited Europe and twice toured the wine country in France where a new appreciation for food and wine was developed. It’s our good fortune that she imparted these traits on to her children and grandchildren. Mom loved her long walks, her lily garden and classical music. She was also known to listen to Peter Frampton, The BeeGees and The Eagles. She and Harry held season tickets to the symphony and ballet that they attended for years. She was a voracious reader enjoying everything from science to politics to fiction. We’ll miss her wit, wise counsel, understanding and love. She was an extraordinary woman that will always live on in our hearts. Helen is survived by her son, Chuck and his wife Doria; 3 daughters, Sharon and husband Arn, Barbara and her husband Rick Cuddie, and Debbie; 6 adored can-do-no-wrong grandsons and their wonderful women, Ryan Miller DeeDee, Tate Miller Mia, Major Annie, Kyle Wolters Kim, Dane and Taylor Cuddie; beloved brother Will Mathison Myrt; a niece and three nephews and her companion Harry Levitt. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 7th 2004 at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 30525- 8th Avenue S., Federal Way, WA. The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the local Humane Society or Franciscan Hospice 253 671- 7000. The family also wants to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Leslee Stevenson, St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Charles Nussbaum, Virginia Mason Clinic and to Matt Dixon and Carol Devore of Franciscan Hospice. The family has entrusted arrangements to BONNEY -WATSON Federal Way 253 839-7317.
To be so loved by her children and grandchildren will always be a lasting memorial to her memory.
We wouold like to express our condolences to the family.It was a shock when I heard that Helen had taken ill.Just today did I see the obituarl in the Times.Helen was a great lady and a great partner at pinochle.I was saving a bottle of Chateau Montelina cab to share with her, because I knew it was her favorite wine.When we do open it,it will be in her memory..Our thoughts are with her family she will be missed.
Laurie and Grant Wood
Wishing you peace in your heart and deep comfort with the wonderful memories of your incredible Mom.
Much love, Sally, Gil & Hank
My condolences to the wonderful family of a fine lady.
Helen was always one of our favorite patients–her smile always made our day better. The world needs more people like Helen and Harry. Our lives were made better because we knew them.