Helen Irene Brandt passed away Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the age or 87, joining friends and family who have gone before her to their eternal heavenly home.

Helen was born Sunday, April 28, 1929, in Oak Harbor, the daughter of Carl and Hilda Hunskor.

She grew up on her family’s farm with three brothers and graduated from OHHS in 1947.

She was a charter member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, and enjoyed playing the piano and organ for church services, where she met the love of her life, Rolf O. Brandt, who was visiting the service one day.

After a period of courtship they were married and moved to Okinawa, Japan, where Rolf was stationed in the Navy, and began their family of four children, ultimately returning to Whidbey Island where Rolf retired from the United States Navy after a 31-year career.

Helen enjoyed being a wife and mother, working at her children’s school teaching children to read, and driving the school bus for the Oak Harbor School District. She was a Girl Scout Leader, sang in the church choir well into her 80s, played piano for retirement homes and loved to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

She loved hunting, gardening, dancing and her family; but most of all, she loved Jesus.

Helen is survived by her four children, Lori (Doug) Downey, Sherri Marsolek, Janice (Frank) French and Nils Brandt; by her 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; cousins; and numerous other loving relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at Wallin Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Please visit Helen’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories.