DUVALL, Helen Louise

Helen Louise Duvall, October 26, 1926 - June 14, 2003. Helen was born in Echo, Oregon, to David and Viola (Schmidt) Duvall. Brother Alvin was born four years earlier. After her father's death in 1937, the family gave up farming and moved to The Dalles, where Helen finished her schooling. Helen eventually moved north to Washington where she met and married William A. Pedersen in 1953. During their 23-year marriage, they had three children. Helen particularly loved the Washington coast and enjoyed family activities on its waters and beaches. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, sewing, beachcombing, bridge, and dancing-especially the tango During her later years, Helen built her own home on Vashon Island WA and enjoyed traveling, visiting places both in and outside the United States. In 1999 Helen moved to Arizona to enjoy the sunny lifestyle in both Sun City and Peoria. Helen is survived by her daughter Janet Caruso (husband Steve) of Shoreline, WA, son Perry Pedersen of Albuquerque, NM, and son Erik Pedersen (wife Sandy) of Kent, WA; grandchildren Carmen and Brian Caruso and Ian and Leif Pedersen; nephew Michael Duvall of Tigard, OR. A memorial will be held for Helen in Arizona on Sunday, June 22, 11:45 a.m. at Unity Church of Sun City, 10101 W. Coggins Drive; an "open house" celebration of Helen's life will be held for her Seattle-area friends and family on Sunday, June 29, 1:00 - 4:00 pm in her daughter's home. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Stroke Association, Unity Church of Sun City, or a favorite charity. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/17/2003.