Helen J. Waldherr, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, in Sumner, WA at age 90. She was born on November 29, 1933, in Tacoma, WA to John Schiemer and Bertha Schenk. She grew up in Graham, WA and graduated in 1951 from Kapowsin High School. Helen met Gerhard(Gary) Waldherr and they were married in 1953 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sumner, WA. They moved to Federal Way, WA where they raised their family.

Helen worked for the Federal Way School District as a food server until her retirement.

Helen and Gary could be found dancing at Polka clubs, going to Dixieland Jazz Festivals and cruising on Holland America Cruise Ships. Helen and Gary were active members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Helen was also very active in the senior center in Federal Way where she played Pinochle. After Gary passed away Helen moved to Stafford Suites in Sumner, WA. She soon became acquainted with the Sumner Senior Center where she could once again play Pinochle.

Helen was a loving and sociable individual who cherished connecting with others, leaving a positive impact on everyone she encountered. Her warm and friendly nature ensured she made friends wherever she went, enriching the lives of those around her.

Helen is survived by her children Cheryl Fewins (Greg), Diane Waldherr (Mark Elliott), and Ken Waldherr (Sheryl). She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren who she was proud to say, all were college graduates, Matt Fewins (Dylan King), Alisha Finke (Nick), Jessica Waldherr-Riley (Bryan Riley), Sarah Waldherr, Caitlin Fewins-Walker (Matthew Walker), Cedar Smith (James Terry) and Meridian Smith. She also enjoyed her 6 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Peter, Gavin, Felicity, Chloe and Mark.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Schiemer and Bertha Schenk, her husband Gerhard (Gary), her infant son, and her son Mark, who passed away in 1967, at age 7, from Cystic Fibrosis. Helen’s brother Johnie Schiemer passed away 3 days after her on February 26, 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebration on May 17, 2024, at

11 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Sumner, WA to honor and remember Helen. We invite all to wear blue, Helen’s favorite color to the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Helen’s name to:

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

520 Pike ST, STE 1075

Seattle, WA 98101-3909