Helene Stirling Fisher, 82, died Aug. 27, 2003, at her home in Oak Harbor. She was born in Portland, Ore., June 19, 1921, the only child of Frank Stirling and Ethelwyne Hilda Donkin, who had three children from a previous marriage.

When she was a young girl, Helene’s family moved to the Fairhaven area of Bellingham, and Helene graduated from high school there. She then went on to attend Western Washington University with the goal of becoming an interior decorator. Her passion for reading and learning continued throughout her life.

Helene was married to Allen E. Fisher Nov. 21, 1940. Their family grew to include three girls and one boy: Allen, Loni, Jeanne and Vikki. Helene and Allen made their home in Tillamook, Ore., and had a successful furniture and appliance business.

Helene appreciated cultural events and shared such with her husband and children. She loved the beach and enjoyed hours of pleasure there, especially with her grandchildren.

Another highlight of Helene’s life was her baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses Aug. 2, 1962. Her love of teaching people Bible truths remained with her to her last breath.

Helene lost her soul mate Nov. 6, 1966. Later, she moved to Oak Harbor to be near her daughters and made Oak Harbor her home.

Helene is survived by her four children, Allen and wife Carol Fisher of Tillmook, Ore; Loni Kuberka, Jeanne Svien and Vikki Machuga, all of Oak Harbor; her four grandchildren, David Svien of Oak Harbor, Vicki Fisher and Andrew Fisher, both of Eugene, Ore., and Sarah Svien of Kent; and her one great-grandchild, Ford Svien of Kent.

It hurts deeply to lose Helene to death, but we are reminded of her love for Jehovah — God, who “is healing the broken hearted ones and binding up their painful spots.” Memorial services will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 301 NE Ronhaar St., Oak Harbor, at 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31. An additional memorial service will be held at Tillamook, Oregon’s Kindom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Saturday, Sept. 6.