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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Blackwell, Helen

Age 91


BLACKWELL,
Helen
(Carlson)

Was born in Peaceful Valley, Spokane, Washing-ton, February 3, 1921 and passed away May 15, 2012.
She attended Cowley School through the third grade and from there transferred to Washington School where she was immediately advanced a grade.

She subsequently attended Lewis and Clark High School, and graduated from Whitworth College with a degree in Chemistry.

Although she was offered a scholarship to the University of Washington, she chose to stay in Spokane where she lived for the rest of her life.
She began work at the Sperry Flour Mill where she was a test baker but later accepted a position at the Standard Asphalt Paving Company where she spent most of the remainder of her working days.
Helen and her husband, Stuart Blackwell, an architect, moved into a choice apartment on West First Street, and despite the fact that, with time, the neighborhood deteriorated, they remained, working diligently to keep the area as safe and clean as possible.

Perhaps in part due to her efforts the area actually began to sprout livable apartments, good restaurants, art shops, and a jazz club especially dear to her heart.

She was a well known and beloved figure in the area and was, as time went by, assured of the help and protection of the patrons of the community.
Although tiny in stature, Helen was a formidable advocate for the panels she chaired or worked with: the Downtown Senior Center; Music Fest; Riverside Neighborhood Council; Friends of Spokane Public Library; Downtown Steering Committee; Downtown Housing Capital Needs Committee; West First Avenue Improvement Committee; Citizens Advisory Committee to Update the Parks and Open Space Plan; West End Neighborhood Council and others.

Other active interests were the BPW and Father Palmer Braille organization.

She also supported a host of other community activities which included the Spokane Symphony, NW Museum, Interplayers, and City Gate and was very active in the Senior Center.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart, her brothers Paul A. and Gordon J. Carlson and sister Eirene E. Boni.

She is survived by brother Glenn D. (Bernice) Carlson of San Luis Obispo; sisters-in-law Dorothy Leavens Carlson of Bellevue, WA and Dorothy Wallace Carlson of Glendale, CA, Rosemary Brandvold of Spokane, WA, Norma Brown of Spokane, WA; and brother-in-law Louis Boni of Marysville, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen’s family wishes to express appreciation for the excellent and kind care she received at Riverview Care Center.
They would also recognize the assistance and care she received during the past seven years at the Cooper - George where she received the utmost respect from personnel and residents and for the additional services provided by Janet O’Clair and others from Family Home Care.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Spokane Symphony Education Program, P O Box 365, Spokane, WA, 99210-0365 or a charity of your choice in memory of our Helen.

Please visit Helen’s online memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com and leave a condolence message.