Helen Dean Grennan's Obituary
Helen Dean Grennan
Helen D. Grennan, beloved mother, grammy, and aunt, passed away at the age of 90, in University Place, Washington, on December 22, 2009, from complications of a stroke. Born on September 17, 1919 to a farming family in Gypsum, Kansas, she moved across the county in a Ford Model A to Hillsboro, Oregon, and later graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. During college, she worked at the Oregon Caves, and blessed visitors by singing the Lord's Prayer each night at the conclusion of the evening campfire. A talented mezzo-soprano, Helen pursued advanced musical training in Chicago, Illinois, where she met her husband, Eugene S. Grennan, now deceased. In 1965, Helen moved to Fircrest, Washington, and found her spiritual home at the Fircrest United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, and treasured the fellowship of the church members and pastors. Helen also worked for a time in the music department of the old Rhodes department store in downtown Tacoma. Helen is survived by her loving family: sons, Edward of Dupont and Philip (wife Alison) of Seattle; grandchildren, Grace, Gordon, and Evelyn; nieces, Cathy and Sara; and nephews, Dick and Dale. We will treasure her memory always. A memorial service will be held at the Fircrest United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 16, 2010, at 11:00 a.m.
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