Obituary of Helen Marie Gaasland

Helen Marie Gaasland passed away peacefully on November 5, 2021, in Edmonds, WA. Helen is remembered by her family as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Until recently, you would find her outside tending to her garden, blowing leaves, cooking a family Sunday meal, or completing a puzzle. Her infectious smile, warm spirit, welcoming demeanor, and tenacious personality will live on throughout future generations. She was born in the Spring of 1925, in the family home that her father built in Poulsbo, WA, to Herman and Marie Nelson. She grew up with her sisters, Hazel and Jeanette, and brother, Arold, on the family farm. During her freshman year of high school at North Kitsap, she met the love of her life, Dennis Gaasland. They were married on November 22, 1947, after Dennis returned from serving in the Navy during WWII. They were married for 67 years until Dennis passed away in 2015. Helen worked as a secretary at Kenworth Trucking Company and then stayed home to raise her children and have dinner ready at 6 pm every day. After the children were older, she returned to work at Chubb insurance, in the claims department until her retirement. She was also the caregiver of the many family pets, ranging from guinea pigs to a pony (largely thanks to Denise). All were brought into the family and given a loving home and life. Helen also volunteered throughout her children’s youth as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, and later as a volunteer at the Edmonds School District clothing bank. She enjoyed working with the children and organizing their activities. She also volunteered as a teacher assistant during school field trips. Helen and Dennis had three children to continue the Scandinavian legacy—Diane, Greg, and Denise. She is survived by her children, Diane and husband Craig, of Gig Harbor, WA, Greg Gaasland of Edmonds, WA, and Denise Yurecko of Vancouver, WA. She is also survived by grandchildren, Heather and husband Sam Scholl of San Diego, CA, Ryan Brown and wife Aileen of Oradell, NJ, Heidi Brown of San Diego, CA, Matthew Yurecko of Vancouver, WA, and Michael Yurecko and wife Amber of Pacific, WA. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren, Riley, Reese, Regan, Lucas, Lena, Mayson, and Jocelyn. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis, parents Herman and Marie Nelson, sisters Hazel Anderson and Jeanette Chittim, and brother Arold Nelson. Helen is greatly missed by her family, but it brings her family great joy knowing she is reunited with Dennis and the rest of her family again. A Celebration of her Life will be planned in the future.