Obituary: Brinkman, Helen Anna
She had been in the care of Hospice House North in Spokane, Washington for six weeks prior to her passing.
Helen was born in a private home on Rincon Creek near the town of Curlew, Washington on February 11, 1926.
She attended school in Curlew and after graduation, was the deputy assessor for Ferry County for a time.
Helen was always employed and enjoyed working and being involved with people.
She had known Glenn Brinkman all her life and on January 27, 1946, Glenn and Helen were married in the home of Claude and Madge Brinkman in Danville, Washington.
Following their marriage, they lived in Danville where in 1950 they bought the ranch from Bert and Harold Brinkman where they resided during their marriage.
In 1957, Helen began the career that would be her job for the remainder of her working life.
She became the postmaster of the Danville Post Office, serving there for 33 years, retiring in 1990.
During her tenure in the Post Office, she was president of the Postmasters Association for the State of Washington in 1968 and traveled to the national convention in Kansas.
She was always very active in that organization throughout her career.
Following the loss of her husband in 1979, Helen continued with the Post Office and remained in Danville.
Helen loved music and gardening, always having a large garden.
After retirement, Helen made the move to Spokane in 1993 where she remained until circumstances changed her life and she began to require assistance.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents Walford Olson, Catherine Kelly Smith (Olson), her brother Warren Olson.
She is survived by her daughters Glenda Vaagen of Colville and Dayna Brinkman of Spokane, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, her sisters in law Marjorie Simanton and Aleen Brinkman, and multiple nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 2, 2105, 11:00 am at Curlew Civic Center with Roger Thiele officiating.
Interment will follow at the Danville Cemetery.
BERGH FUNERAL SERVICE OF REPUBLIC IN CARE OF ARRANGEMENTS