Helen Schilperoort

Helen Elizabeth Youngren Schilperoort, 95, a lifetime Yakima Valley resident, died on January 5, 2025, in Lynnwood, Washington. Helen was born on March 11, 1929, to Carl Eric and Glannie Youngren in Yakima, Washington. She was raised on a farm in Selah and graduated from Selah High School in 1947. In the fall of 1947 Helen enrolled in St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Yakima, completing the 3-year RN degree program. She worked at Toppenish Memorial Hospital and as a school nurse for the Wapato School District. At a Victory Club rally in Yakima, Helen met her future life partner, Carl Schilperoort. They married on November 25th, 1950, and were blessed with 73 years together. A natural hostess, Helen welcomed all with openness, generosity, and compassion. Whether the visitor was a relative, neighbor, or stranger, she was always happy to add another plate to the table. She took pride in preparing delicious meals, and the aromas that filled her kitchen drew people from far and wide. Helen loved taking trips to visit children, grandchildren, and relatives in places such as Holland, Sweden, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Helen was a member of Harrah Community Church, where she served as organist and pianist for over 65 years. Helen also served on the Yakima Young Life Committee. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl, and brothers George and Gilbert. Helen is survived by her five children, Colleen (Darrel Fortune), Bob, Adriana Havnaer (Doug), Susan (Christopher Kendall), and Signe (Fred Bruner); grandchildren, Nathan, Ashleigh, Jordan (Karla), Helen Marie (Gabriel), Calvin, Annika, Oliver, Sophie, Annika, Lena, Sam; great grandchildren, Maia Lise and Reina Mae, and numerous beloved extended family. Interment took place at Reservation Cemetery on January 21, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on March 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Englewood Christian Church, 511 N. 44th Ave., Yakima. Memorial donations in Helen's name may be made to Sacred Road Ministries, P.O Box 400, Harrah, WA 98933 or online at sacredroadministries.org. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Schilperoort, please visit our flower store.