Helen Budlong Obituary

Helen May (Griffin) BUDLONG Born in Seattle on March 12, 1921 to Charlotte and Francis Griffin. She grew up in Rainier Valley with her sisters Charlotte and Frances, and her brother Frank. Helen attended John Muir Grade School and Franklin High School, where she had the lead role in her 1939 senior class play. Helen met her high school sweetheart, and future husband of 60 years, John E. Budlong on February 24, 1939 at a Queen Anne High School PTA dance. After high school, Helen worked as the office manager at Northwest Consolidators and at Seattle Cedar Company. Helen and John were married in Seattle during World War II on April 29, 1944. They settled in North Seattle and raised their family. She loved her children John (and Starla), Maryann (and Greg), and Carolyn Paulson (and Craig). Helen was active in the North Beach Elementary PTA and the Women's Auxiliary Guild for Ballard Hospital. After raising her family, Helen assisted with arranging for adoptions and foster care at the New Hope Services agency. Throughout her life, Helen was the center of a happy family. She was known for her special thoughtfulness and kindness toward others. She prepared countless Sunday and holiday meals for her extended family. She was an aunt to Charlotte and Lynn Crossman's children, Steve and Kelsey, to Frances and Richard Peterson's children Kathryn, Jim, Laura and Barbara, and to their spouses and children. She loved her family, friends, and neighbors, and being grandmother of Griffin and Grace Paulson, who have been the joys of her life for the last seven years. She was a "mom" to many. Helen lived a full and rich life. She died in peace on April 22, 2004 of congestive heart failure. Services are at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, 2400 NW 85th St, Seattle on April 29, 2004 at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to New Hope Child and Family Agency, the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.