Helen Nadine Wickstrom, born March 5th, 1942 to Dorothy and Ray Loftis in Olympia, Washington, passed away in Renton, Washington surrounded by her family and loved ones June 26, 2024. Helen graduated from Centralia High School in 1960 and just two weeks after graduation married Bill Adams. They spent their newlywed years in Hawaii where Bill was stationed in the Navy. Bill and Helen returned home to Washington and welcomed their first daughter, Brenda in 1963 and their second daughter, Karen in 1965. Helen’s career started with the City of Kent in 1966 and she retired January 1995 as the Superintendent of Planning and Development. In 1986, after separating from Bill, Helen reunited with an old friend Don Wickstrom and quickly learned he was the love of her life and soulmate. They were married on Valentine’s day in 1987 and spent 23 years filled with love and adventure before Don passed away in 2010. Helen and Don never missed an opportunity for fun. They spent their years together traveling many times to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, golfing, playing on dart and pool leagues, and sharing many laughs with those they loved. Helen continued these activities after Don passed. Helen shared her passion of traveling and fun with her family. Helen’s vibrant adventurous soul and kind heart made a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Helen is survived by her brother Raymond Loftis, daughters Brenda (Tom) Daily, Karen (Mickey) Clayton, stepson Michael (Janell) Wickstrom, stepdaughter Lori (Dan) Heric, grandchildren Chandra, Shannon, Blair, June, Sydney, Jennifer, Diana, and Victoria. Great-grandchildren Dylan, Ashley, Rylan, Raymond, and Jordan. Great, great granddaughter Aurora plus numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by parents Ray and Dorothy Loftis, husband Don Wickstrom, grandsons Robert and AJ. Helen leaves behind many friends that she considered family. She will be missed immensely by everyone whose life she touched.

Services for Helen will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on July 16th at 1:30 PM. Please arrive no later than 1:15pm if you choose to come to the committal service. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service at Lake Wilderness Golf and Country Club at 2:00PM. In Lieu of flowers, donations on Helen’s behalf can be made to Soroptimist International, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, or Special Olympics Washington.