Helen Schurman

Helen Louise Schurman, 88, passed away peacefully on May 7 at her home. Helen was born in Clarkston, Washington on August 8, 1936, to Martin and Rosia Estlund. She was the third of four children and the only girl.

Helen graduated from Clarkston High School in 1954 and married her high school sweetheart, Paul Schurman, in 1955. After working in their family-owned business, Schurman’s True Value Hardware, for many years, Helen returned to college in 1976 and earned her LPN license and eventually continued her studies in Medical Records. Helen worked at Tri-State Hospital as a nurse and as a medical records consultant in a variety of hospitals and retirement homes.

Helen enjoyed playing cards and games of all kinds. She loved listening to music performances and enjoyed singing along. Traveling and cruising with family and friends were highlights of her life. She and Paul went on 17 cruises. In more recent years, she joined in on extended family trips to Chelan, Suncadia, and the Oregon Coast where she was an active participant in all games and contests. She liked winning! Helen was a sports fan and followed all WSU sports as well as The Mariners. She liked to “coach” from her chair!

Helen was very proud of her family and was her happiest when she was spending holidays, birthdays, and family dinners together. She particularly loved time with her great grandsons! She is survived by her two daughters, Deby (Marty) Hanson and Cindy (Steve) Wenke; her five grandchildren, Malory (Tyler) Tebbets, Briana (Jesse) Wityczak, Karissa (Taylor Raynor) Hanson, Scott (Alicia Woodard) Wenke, and Vanessa (Ethan) Croucher; her two great grandsons Mason Raynor and Chandler Tebbets; her brother Leonard Estlund; and her sisters-in-law Edna Estlund, Lynn Estlund, and Sandy Estlund; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Paul; her parents Martin and Rosia; and her brothers Jim and Daryl.

The family is grateful for the kind and loving care given by all the staff at The Gallery of Spokane. She was very happy in her new home. The family would also like to thank Tom Fallquist from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for the in-home church services and personal ministry he provided to her.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 9 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (316 E. 24th Avenue, Spokane). If you would like to donate in Helen’s memory, the family suggests contributions to St. Mark’s Church or Our Place Community Outreach.