Obituary of Helen F. Feely

Helen E. Feely, 87, died Thursday January 28, 2010 from the end stages of Alzheimer's disease. Helen was born September 28, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Wisner, Nebraska. Helen's passions for life included music and literature. After graduating from Washington State College in 1948, Helen joined the English Department at the University of Idaho. In 1958, she married John Feely. After living in the Portland area for nine years, she and her family moved to Tacoma in 1968. In the early 1970s, Helen began teaching piano. She thoroughly enjoyed her work, and would often share stories around the dinner table with her family about a student who had made her day. Helen continued to teach piano into the late 1980s. She was a member of the Spanaway United Methodist Church and later the Milton United Methodist Church. There, she played the organ for services for over thirty years until the effects of Alzheimer's left her unable to continue. She was also active accompanying area musical groups for many years. Survivors include her son Chris Feely (Yvonne) and grandson Collin Feely. John predeceased her in 2004. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Milton, 1405 10th Avenue. Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Milton United Methodist Church or Alzheimer's Association . Arrangements by Curnow Funeral Home of Sumner, Washington.