Helen Maureen Joan Lum

Helen Maureen Joan Lum, 66, died Jan. 12 at Alaska Regional Hospital. At Helen’s request, in lieu of a funeral service, a remembrance and Irish wake will be Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Peter’s Creek American Legion Post 33, Mile 23 Old Glenn Highway.

Helen was born May 29, 1943, in Burns, Ore., the daughter of Leonard H. and Nan P. Waterman. She graduated from Burns High School in 1961 and from the University of Portland in 1965. She joined the Peace Corps, was a substitute teacher in Portland and spent time in Guadalajara, Mexico. Helen moved to Alaska in 1966 when she accepted a position at Palmer High School. During her career she taught Spanish, French and German.

Helen married W. Burton Lum in August of 1967. The wedding and reception took place at Independence Mine Lodge. They spent summers building their Goose Bay homestead and winters teaching school in the Mat-Su Valley, with two years in Bethel. Burt was accidentally killed on the Goose Bay Homesteaders Road in May 1978. In August their daughter, Meg, was born.

Helen shared time between the homestead and her sister’s home, where she cared for her mother until she passed away in 1992. She was an active Girl Scout leader and loved working with children. She was the children’s champion; forever teaching, playing games and defending them against any adversary, real or imagined. Helen loved to socialize, to dance, attend the performing arts and was always up for a good argument. She will be remembered for her acceptance of and generosity to others.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Burt.

She is survived by her daughter, (Meg) Nan Lum; granddaughter, Devin Anderson; sister and brother-in-law, Nan and Robert Sickler; brother, Leonard Waterman of Roseburg, Ore.; stepchildren, Skye Skinner and Hilary McAlistair of Colorado, and Steve Lum of Kirkland, Wash.; and 11 nieces and nephews and their families.

Those who wish to contact the family may call 907-315-2046.

Helen Maureen Joan Lum

Helen Maureen Joan Lum, 66, died Jan. 12 at Alaska Regional Hospital. At Helen’s request, in lieu of a funeral service, a remembrance and Irish wake will be Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Peter’s Creek American Legion Post 33, Mile 23 Old Glenn Highway.

Helen was born May 29, 1943, in Burns, Ore., the daughter of Leonard H. and Nan P. Waterman. She graduated from Burns High School in 1961 and from the University of Portland in 1965. She joined the Peace Corps, was a substitute teacher in Portland and spent time in Guadalajara, Mexico. Helen moved to Alaska in 1966 when she accepted a position at Palmer High School. During her career she taught Spanish, French and German.

Helen married W. Burton Lum in August of 1967. The wedding and reception took place at Independence Mine Lodge. They spent summers building their Goose Bay homestead and winters teaching school in the Mat-Su Valley, with two years in Bethel. Burt was accidentally killed on the Goose Bay Homesteaders Road in May 1978. In August their daughter, Meg, was born.

Helen shared time between the homestead and her sister’s home, where she cared for her mother until she passed away in 1992. She was an active Girl Scout leader and loved working with children. She was the children’s champion; forever teaching, playing games and defending them against any adversary, real or imagined. Helen loved to socialize, to dance, attend the performing arts and was always up for a good argument. She will be remembered for her acceptance of and generosity to others.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Burt.

She is survived by her daughter, (Meg) Nan Lum; granddaughter, Devin Anderson; sister and brother-in-law, Nan and Robert Sickler; brother, Leonard Waterman of Roseburg, Ore.; stepchildren, Skye Skinner and Hilary McAlistair of Colorado, and Steve Lum of Kirkland, Wash.; and 11 nieces and nephews and their families.

Those who wish to contact the family may call 907-315-2046.