Helen A. Soderstrom

Soderstrom Helen A., age 78, of Minneapolis, was peacefully carried to heaven in her daughter's arms on March 12, 2002 to be with her husband, Norman, and her son, Ronald who preceded her. Helen was an amazing woman, cherished by so many of us who will miss her every day. Greatly beloved mother of daughter, Joni and son, Scott who will honor her spirit in this world with responsibility, generosity, hard work and compassion. Grandmother and best friend to Drew, Mollie and Jesse who will miss her loving care. Survived by her brother, Merlin Anderson of Lund, WI; son-in-law, Jeff Waldhuter of Mamaroneck, NY and daughter-in-law, Marie. Helen was heavenly-appointed mother to Celeste and Patty who loved her with all their heart, and gave her great joy and support. Adopted grandma to Isabelle, Larissa and Stacy who sat with her in church. Helen was a passionate gardener and a lover of animals especially her companion dogs, Bengy and Caesar who were great company for her. Helen met adversity in her life with such determination and positive energy - she was an inspiration and example for us all. Helen had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh and graced us with her bright shining eyes and contagious smile. She loved to take adventures and so enjoyed her recent travels to Sweden, London, Amsterdam and California. Her annual Christmas visits to New York brought great joy to her and to her daughter's friends who loved her so dearly and feel the pain of her loss with us all. Helen was a wonderful neighbor and loved all her neighbors, especially Pastor Judy, Jerry, Lloyd, Pat, Arlene, Howard and Ann who were always there to help. Helen worked for many years in the Mpls. Public Schools and had many friends there who shared their lives with her long after her retirement especially her dear friend, Judy. Helen took nothing for granted and often expressed her appreciation for her many relatives who she loved for many wonderful years. She so enjoyed her calls and visits with Karilee, Clarice, Verlyn and Bette who loved to laugh as much as she did. Helen would often say ``everybody deserves to be happy'', it was her wish and prayer for us all, and Ma was always right. Funeral service to be held 11:00 AM Friday at EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Mpls. Visitation 4-7 PM TODAY at MORRIS NILSEN CHAPEL, Richfield, and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment Ft. Snelling. Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226

Published on March 13, 2002