Helen Corbell, age 63, of Marysville, Washington passed on peacefully into the arms of our Lord on August 14, 2011 surrounded by her three children. She was born in Mansfield, Ohio August 28, 1947, the youngest of four children to John and Elizabeth Bissman, both now deceased. Helen was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, attended College of Wooster and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Elementary Education.
In 1970, she joined Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), where she met and married Ronald Ray Corbell. They worked as foster parents in Columbus, Ohio for Franklin County Children’s Home. The couple moved to the Northwest, where Ron started his teaching career, the first three years in Forks, Washington and where they had their first two children, Sarah Robin (Devereux) and Cameron Matthew. Helen and Ron would then make their home in Newport, Oregon beginning in 1975, and had their third child, Nathaniel John. All three adult children now reside in the Puget Sound area. Helen spent her years in Newport volunteering and substitute teaching in the Lincoln County School District, was a den leader for the Boys Scouts of America, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and then went on to be employed at the Salvation Army Thrift Store and retired from that career in 2005. She had very fond memories of her time and friendships made in Newport.
Upon a divorce and her retirement, Helen moved to Marysville to be near her three grown children, son-in-law, Keith and grandchildren (Garrett, Parker and Mason Devereux). Enjoying this chapter of her life, she was able to watch her grandkids grow and was fortunate to bond with them in their early childhood years. She was a friend to the Marysville United Methodist Church, where she loved to volunteer at the clothing ministry: “Kloz 4 Kidz.” She also gave her time to Allen Creek Elementary as a classroom helper, which gave her great joy. Helen also felt grateful to be part of Relay for Life of North Snohomish County and Marysville for the past three years. This annual American Cancer Society event provided her a fighting spirit and meaningful time with her family and friends. Traveling, gardening, knitting, crafting, movie-going, and watching her grandsons various activities were some of her other favorite hobbies.
Helen fought a courageous battle against breast cancer for well over 2 years. Her family wishes to thank and send our deep gratitude to Dr. Luke Walker and each staff member at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett and Providence Hospice of Snohomish County for all of their loving care, compassion, and spiritual guidance during her journey. The resources and support groups offered, especially Art Therapy, brought her many friendships, laughter, inspiration and hope.
She leaves behind her siblings: Peter (Marlis, now deceased) of Loveland, Ohio, Cathe (Craig) of Huron, Ohio and Betse (Henk) of Haarlem, The Netherlands and nine nieces and nephews plus 13 grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She is also survived by her friend, Ron (Martha) and his four brothers, Scott (Linda), Randy (Debra), Bob (Peggy), and Brian and two sisters, Rori and Kim, both deceased, plus 10 grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Helen wanted to thank all of her longtime loved ones, and each beautiful newer friend thereafter, for their cards, thoughts and prayers. They all gave her the faith to go on as long as she was able.
A wish of Helen’s, in keeping with her spirit of giving, has been made to donate her remains to the University of Washington for medical research. A Celebration of Life will be held at Salty’s on Alki , 1936 Harbor Avenue S.W., Seattle, WA 98126 on Friday, August 26 at 1:00. Anyone wishing to give in her honor may donate to the charity of their choice.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”—Matthew 11:28
