Helen Sigrid Perdue's Obituary
Helen Sigrid Carlson Perdue was born August 14, 1912, and died on October 27, 2010. She lived 98 years and two months as a very happy person. Her friendly smile, girlish giggles, and hearty laughs were recognized wherever she went.
Born in South Tacoma, the city she loved dearly, Helen was the only child of Carl and Frances Carlson, first generation European immigrants. She met and married Paul C. Perdue while attending the University of Puget Sound. Helen hand colored hundreds of portrait photos when she and Paul operated Hi-Gloss photo finishing service. Together they opened Perdue's Hardware Store on South Tacoma Way after WWII. The store thrived with the addition of a high quality camera section and kitchen appliances. Helen was the primary clerk while Paul was the camera specialist and appliance salesman. Once while Paul was distracted Helen decided to rid the store of excess inventory by holding a nine cent sale. Helen was the consummate hostess for elaborate dinner parties. The Perdue's often invited as many as forty friends to their home for dinner and a precision slide show featuring photos of their most recent trip to one of the many exotic world locations they often visited. In the days before computers Helen was the producer of multi-tray 35mm slide show, projected by two machines, synchronized with sound recorded on audio tape reels with music and narration. Paul operated the machines, while Helen served dessert to their dinner guests.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Paul, and is survived by their daughter Elaine Ramsey (Jerry) and their grandson Jason Perdue Ramsey, all of Tacoma. Helen's extended family survivors include her brother-in-law Donald (Donna) of Corvallis, sister-in-law Mirth, niece Wendy Wartes (Jon) all of Woodinville, and nephew Terry Perdue (Marie) of Kenmore.
Many wonderful vacations were spent by Helen and Paul on their custom built yacht the Helaine II as they sailed with Tacoma Yacht Club members throughout Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. They were part of an informal group dubbed the Hooligans. These fun loving boaters developed a "yacht club" spoof with a Hooligan Burgee design featuring a skull with a Daffodil in it. Helen and Paul were the official photographers for Tacoma Yacht Club functions for 20 years. Together they annually published a TYC Members' Directory including photos of every member and boat. Helen was president of Shipmates, the women's social club attached to the TYC and an honored member of the Tacoma Photographic Society. Helen served as a director on the Board of Franke Tobey Jones Retirement Home for 19 years. She was, in her second career, the secretary in the Placement Office at the University of Puget Sound. She and Paul founded the UPS Placement Office at the direction of University President R. Franklin Thompson. Helen and Paul visited nearly every college and university on the west coast to gather the best ideas for the UPS Placement Office. They opened it in the late 1960's. Paul also taught Economics in the Business Department as his second career. Helen was a leading member of the Women's College League, working to secure scholarships for needy students. Helen was also a member of the White Clover Chapter of Eastern Star, and a member and president of Chapter C of P.E.O. Helen was honored to serve as state president of P.E.O. in 1959.
After graduating from Tacoma's Lincoln High School Helen attended the then College of Puget Sound where she joined Lambda Sigma Chi, which became nationally recognized as Alpha Phi Sorority, primarily through Helen's leadership. Helen was presented with the Michaelian Award from Alpha Phi International for her sorority organizing efforts at Puget Sound.
During her undergraduate years Helen was active in Campus Playcrafters, a dramatic troop that produced several plays each year. Helen and her beloved Paul were superior supporters of the University of Puget Sound intercollegiate athletic teams. They often traveled with the basketball, football, and volleyball teams to games in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Canada and many other places. Both were very active in the Puget Sound Logger Club, serving as officers for many terms and helping numerous fund-raising efforts. They were generous annual contributors to the University Athletic Department, and to the Perdue Academic Scholarship. The University awarded the Perdue's several times for their service to the school. They were most proud of the Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Volunteer Service Award named for the Perdues. It is annually presented to the male and female athletes most exemplifying the attribute of service to the community.
Helen and Paul were inseparable and devoted life-long members of First United Methodist Church and the church Fellowship Club. Helen and Paul researched, illustrated, and published their highly acclaimed book, The First 100 Years, the History of First United Methodist Church in 1974. The cover has beautiful color photos of the stained glass window that once graced the western side of the sanctuary, and the very colorful pipes of the historic Aeolian-Skinner organ. For many years Helen decorated the sanctuary of First Church with flowers for Sunday worship services, and then taught Sunday school classes.
Helen resided in Laurel House at Narrows Glen Retirement home for many years. In more recent times she lived with the caring professionals at Clare Bridge Shoreline View, in Gig Harbor. The family deeply appreciates the kind personal attention provided by the truly caring people who have devoted their lives to a difficult profession.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?