It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Helen O’Neill, just three months after her beloved husband of sixty-nine years, Clancy. Helen was born in Aberdeen, Washington on August 31, 1933, and transitioned out of this life on February 1, 2026. Through her journey of 92 years, she touched many lives with her love, friendship, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor.
Helen spent much of her youth near our beautiful Washington beaches. As an adult, it is where many summers were spent with her family digging, expertly cleaning, and cooking razor clams. No one could do better. Helen was funny, independent, hardworking, and hard-playing. She was always the life of the party.
Helen reveled in sharing her life with her family, friends and as many animals as Clancy could handle. Dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, and more than anything; horses. It was through horses that she became a decades-long member of the Tacoma Lariettes. The Lariettes are an equestrian precision drill team that performs at shows and parades year-round. When not practicing or performing with the Lariettes, Helen bred and trained award-winning Arabian show horses at her home in Federal Way.
The only thing Helen loved more than her horses was her family. She leaves behind sons, Steve and Mike, two daughters-in-law, Vicky and Basma, and four granddaughters, Riann, Sophie, Kaylie, and Natalie. All of whom she cherished and pampered. Helen’s love was that of an unconditional mother; always there to comfort with a big hug and words of encouragement. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service celebrating Helen’s exceptional life will be held on February 23, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Bonney-Watson, Federal Way. She will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery the following day, February 24th, at 11 :00 am. We invite all who knew and loved Helen to join us in honoring her memory.
