Helen Winberg

February 13, 1934 to September 19, 2022

Helen Dawna (Hays) Winberg “graduated” into her eternal rest laughing with her “granddaughter” Windy, on the evening of Sept. 19, 2022. She was born to Chester and Marjorie Hays at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Ore., Feb. 13, 1934.

Helen first attended Gilbert grade school in Portland, then the family moved to Yachats, Ore., where she attended Yachats grade school and graduated from Waldport High School in 1951. She was co-valedictorian with her best friend, Dorothy Thissell. Helen married the young man next door, “Cliff” Winberg in September 1951, across the street in the Little Log Church. They made their home in Yachats while adding the first two of their children. Then the family moved to Beaverton and then to Portland after their third child was born. Helen went to work for the Beaverton School district as a school cook, cooking at several schools including Garden Home, Barnes, Terra Linda, and Raliegh Hills grade schools. She retired in 1993.

Helen led a Blue Bird troop in her home and continued with the Campfire Girls program until the girls graduated.

After retirement and her husband’s death in 1997, Helen traveled extensively for several years, earning the nickname, “Roaming Gnome.” When she wasn’t traveling, she became involved with the West Hills Covenant church, where she helped organize meals, and serve for coffee hour. She was also able to go on short missions to Central and South America through the church, she volunteered to mentor young mothers in recovery, and volunteered at the local food bank.

Helen was predeceased by her son, Stuart; and her husband, Charles “Cliff” Winberg. She is survived by her sister, Haysel Pankey (Gary) of LaPine; daughter, Dawna Kennedy (Martin), of St. Helens; son, Nicholas of Redding, Calif.; grandsons, Ryan and Scott Patrick; granddaughters, Colleen Koch, Alex WinUss and Windy Patrick; five great grandchildren; a niece and nephew and numerous cousins. Helen was a good friend to many and will be greatly missed.

The celebration of Life for Helen will be held at 2:30 p.m., Nov. 20, 2022, at the West Hills Covenant Church, 5815 S.W. Gilchrest Ct., Portland, OR 97221.

In lieu of flowers Helen has requested a donation to the West Hills church for a handicap accessible door.

[Read more about Helen in our story Cafeteria Favorites.]