Helen  Pardew

Obituary of Helen Pardew

Helen S. Pardew, 92, of Eagle, Idaho passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020, at her home surrounded by family and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday October 13th at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2206 N. Cole Rd., Boise, Idaho 83704. Interment will follow the service at 2:00 p.m. at Dry Creek Cemetery, 9600 Hill Rd. Boise, Idaho 83714.

Helen was born October 23, 1927 in Aberdeen, Washington to Tekla and John Kauppi. While attending school, Helen also worked at her parents’ tavern and spent time with her best friend Pauline. After graduating from J. M. Weatherwax High School, in May of 1945, Helen enrolled at the State College of Washington, now known as Washington State University, in Pullman, Washington. Graduating in June of 1949, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a minor in Hygiene and Health Education as well as, a minor in Biological Sciences. She then earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Education, graduating February 1951, while also obtaining a Master of Science in Physical Education, which she completed June of 1951. 

During her collegiate career she met, William W. “Bill” Pardew, and they married December 18, 1949. After Helen and Bill graduated from the State College of Washington, in June of 1951, they moved to Lewiston, Idaho. Then in 1952, they moved to Boise, where Helen was hired by Boise High School as a Physical Education teacher. By the end of the school year of 1953, it was known that they would be moving to Pocatello for Bill’s career with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Shortly after, ITD transferred the couple to Shoshone in 1955. Helen and Bill wouldn’t move back to Boise until 1962. In Shoshone on April 8, 1958, Helen joined Chapter Y of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. For over 62 years, Helen was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. In January of 1967, Helen and fellow sisters chartered P.E.O. Chapter BK in Boise, Idaho. She was heavily involved with developing fundraisers and events to support and celebrate women pursuing advancement through education. Helen truly cherished P.E.O. and the Sisterhood.

In June of 1956, they welcomed their first child Ann Marie Pardew. Four years later, in April of 1960, their family grew with the birth of their twin boys, John William Pardew and Steven William Pardew. Then, in 1962, ITD transferred the family to Boise. Helen and Bill purchased a home on acreage in the rural town of Eagle. It was here that they raised their family in the country on what became quite the horse ranch. The family ranch was self-sufficient in all aspects of raising, riding, and caring for the horses. At the height of its activity, the ranch provided for 48 horses with refined breeding in Appaloosa, Quarter Horse, Paints, and Thoroughbreds. Helen and Bill made a great team; while Bill was working for ITD, Helen managed the ranch and the home. They started from scratch, created a beautiful life together, and left an incredible legacy. Their commitment to family, love, laughter, heart, and passion, created the most magnificent memories.

In June of 1975, Helen began her career at the Department of Employment, as a Principal Clerk. She worked her way up to Senior Job Service Consultant and retired in 1984. After retirement, Helen and Bill continued working the ranch, producing alfalfa hay, attending the Episcopal Church and Bible studies, challenging their marksmanship skills, and riding horses. It was then in 2006, Bill passed away following a battle with cancer. Shortly after, in December of 2009, Helen experienced a traumatic, disabling stroke. Ann and her husband Bryant, without hesitation, moved Helen into their home and began providing her with 24/7 care. Over the course of nearly 11 years, Helen, Ann, Bryant, and their two daughters, Keri and Kaedy, traveled in their modified motorhome, which accommodated for Helen’s medical needs, to a variety of campgrounds, multiple colleges in the Northwest, all while celebrating every birthday, holiday, and working to make each day special.

Helen was an adventurer, a rancher, a horsewoman, a musician, a markswoman, a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, a best friend, a strong Finnish woman, and most of all a loving mother and grandmother.

Helen is survived by son-in-law, Bryant, her granddaughters Keri and Kaedy, son Steven and grandsons Sean and Scott. Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Ann, her husband, Bill, and her son John.

Memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2206 N. Cole Rd., Boise, ID 83704.

 

 

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Helen
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Accent Funeral Home & Cremation