Helen McDonald's Obituary
Helen passed away November 13, 2006 at the age of 90 years. She was born to Clarence and Sylvia Kimbro on December 12, 1915, in Chehalis, WA, and spent her childhood there. While in high school she decided she wanted to become a journalist and was editor of the school paper her senior year. At the same time she worked part-time on the Lewis County Bee Nugget (before it became the Â"AdvocateÂ"). After graduation she moved to Aberdeen, WA, and worked on the Aberdeen Daily World. In time she married Roscoe Wagner, a son of a Grays Harbor pioneer family. Helen later changed careers and went to work at KXRO, AberdeenÂ's radio station, as their Feminine Commentator.While there she became active in many local activities, including politics and it was during this time she was divorced. When the Selective Service system (Draft Board) was established, she became an assistant clerk in the Aberdeen Board. In a short time she was promoted to Clerk of Tacoma CityÂ's Local Board 4. It was at this time she met and married the dashing young Captain Norton McDonald of the 161st Infantry from Spokane. When Pearl Harbor was attacked his regiment (that was at sea and headed for the Philippines) was rerouted and assigned to the Hawaiian Islands. At this point Helen requested and received a transfer to the Honolulu Board but she never got there as the Navy denied her transportation by the authority of the War Department directive not to allow married couples to be together in a war zone. As she had been officially hired in Hawaii, she no longer was working on the Tacoma Board and had been replaced, so she went to work at Post Headquarters in Fort Lewis, and continued there until her husband returned from the South Pacific Theatre.Helen then began the fascinating life of an Army wife at Camp Roberts in California and, three months later, an assignment to Camp Blanding, Florida, where an event occurred that changed her life forever. Her son, Roderick, was born! In a short time her husband was promoted to Major, which led to an overseas tour to Kyoto, Japan. While in Kyoto, she and two other officersÂ' wives made a round trip to Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila--a fabulous trip!And now another joyous happening--a second son, Frederick, was born! A transfer from Infantry to Quartermaster meant two state side tours, in Fort Lee, Virginia, and Camp Drum in northern New York. A promotion to Lt. Colonel led to a fascinating tour in Panama. While there, Helen enjoyed trips to Puerto Rico and Guatemala. She also was selected the Cub Scout Den Mother of the Year, two years in a row. At every post where assigned she was always actively involved in Post and Officer WivesÂ' Club activities.The last assignment was back home at Fort Lewis to return to civilian life. She became an ardent Little League Mom and a serious duplicate bridge player, but most enjoyed being back with family and all the other relatives and friends and just settling down to enjoy the retirement years. But that didnÂ't last very long. Helen got a Real Estate License. Eventually she got her BrokerÂ's license and bought and remodeled McKinley Hill Realty and enjoyed her years belonging to the McKinley Hill Business Community. But she had to sell the company when both her mother and husband became terminally ill.Helen is survived by her two sons, Rod (JoEden) and Fred (Karen) and of special pride and joy her five grandchildren, Ann (Richie), David (Rachael), Marne (Shea), Joshua (Kristen), and Matthew (Mandi) and her adored great-grandchildren, Zachary, Paige, Eric Gallerdo, and Camron Fleck and at last count at least 37 cousins.The family wishes to especially thank Dorothy James for her care and concern for Helen and the many thoughtful kindnesses extended by her and by her whole family. Also a most grateful thanks to Joni Norlund and her children for their love and care and for being so very special to her. Appreciation and gratitude to all of you.If you will, remembrances may be made to Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98466.
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