Helen Marjorie Beckman

Obituary Helen M. Beckman February 27, 1922 ~ December 28, 2013 Helen M. (n. Groeper) Beckman at 91 passed on peacefully Dec. 28 after a long life of caring for her large family and many, many more in her lifetime. She was from large Norwegian and German immigrant families who arrived in Washington in the late 19th century. Her 2nd husband Norbert passed in 2007. Matriarch to a combined Long-Beckman family of 28 direct descendants (over 40 with spouses), her surviving children and spouses are Larry and Liane Long, Gary and Rudolph Long-Saavedra, Colleen and Bruce Glidden, and Kenneth and Channa Beckman. There are 9 grandchildren, and 11 great and 2 great-great grandchildren. Her son Jerry C. Long and daughter Terry (Long) Strobe preceded her in death. Helen was a child of the Depression - determined, resourceful, and thrifty, but generous to all. She never lost her connection to her humble roots or values of that era, believing people could overcome adversity together if they had common purpose, hope, and keep trying. Her family will miss her deeply. Services will be held at 2 p.m. at Gaffney Funeral Home Jan, 5th. A viewing at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will precede the service. A reception will follow. Friends and family are asked to use the website to share their stories of Gramma Helen at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. A Life Celebration event will be held this spring to fully celebrate how she graced our lives. For those who wish to donate flowers in her memory, a donation to a charity of your choice serving the poor or the disabled vets would be her likely preference. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.