Helen Kemp Hukari

Helen Kemp Hukari, 87 died Sunday at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. She was born on November 20, 1926 in Tokeen, Texas. She was the daughter of Ray and Ruby Dick. Helen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at Texas Woman’s University, and a Master of Teaching Degree at the University of North Texas. Helen married Marshall Kemp on July 17, 1947. The couple had two children, George and Ann. Helen worked for the Fort Worth Star Telegram (newspaper) for a short time. Once her children were older, she taught reading and second grade for 14 years. Helen and Marshall enjoyed a passionate and fulfilling life together for 42 years, until Marshall’s death in 1989. They traveled to Europe, and often spent time on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts visiting their two children and their families. In 1989, Helen moved to Corvallis to be near her daughter, Ann Cook. She met Jim Hukari at a grief support group, and on July 25, 1991, they were married. Jim remembers Helen as a loving and supportive wife. Helen and Jim were each others’ rocks; helping the other through illness and aging. She was his eyes; he her steadying hand. A woman of many talents, Helen was a writer, a poet, a fiber artist and a great lover of life. She enjoyed reading, learning, playing card and trivia games, spending time at the beach, investing in and following the stock market, and rocking babies. Most of all, Helen loved her family with great intensity! She was a wonderful spouse, Mom and Grandma. She was a friend to all who crossed her path. She had a great sense of humor, was kind, generous, a true liberal and loving Christian. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Marshall. Between her two marriages, Helen is survived by many family members who dearly love her and will miss her Earthly presence: daughters Ann (Don), Beth (Kevin) and Evi (Mark); sons George (Chris) and Ron (Connie); grandchildren Mariah, Molly, Andrew, Rachel, Sarah, Katie, Derek, Haley, Nick and Olivia; great grandchildren Claire and Maddie. Memorial donations in Helen’s name may be directed to the ARC in care of McHenry Funeral Home 206 NW 5th St., Corvallis, OR 97330. A Celebration of Life is planned for 11:00 am, Saturday December 14th at the First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis. A reception will follow in Dennis Hall.

Tributes

Helen Kemp Hukari

November 20, 1926 - December 1, 2013