Helen Louise Gookin

CORVALLIS - Helen L. Gookin, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away Tuesday November 25th, 2025, doing what she had always done—working hard, staying independent, and caring for the people and things that mattered to her.

Helen was born to Adolph and Alice Bjergo as their only daughter, with two older brothers, Allen and Gerry, who both preceded her in death.

She married H. LaVere Gookin, and together they had four children: Kathleen, Jon, Elizabeth, and Mary. Later, H. LaVere remarried Shellie, and along with their children, Sarah and Robert, they were always part of the family.

Helen and her family also endured the loss of two of her children, Kathleen and Jon, but she carried their memories with strength and resolve. Kathleen is survived by husband Jeff Ford and their daughter Emmie.

Helen loved her children and grandchildren deeply and took pride in the lives they built. She instilled independence and grit in her family. She is survived by Elizabeth Belcourt, husband Dean, and their children Annie Jolliff (husband Jason) and Rena Belcourt; Annie and Jason’s three daughters, Lena, Charlotte, and little Helen, her namesake; and Mary Comstock, husband Clay, and their two children, Vincent and Alice.

Helen was sweet, spunky, and quietly sassy, with a sharp sense of humor that brought laughter to those around her. She loved to bake, sew, and share projects with her girls and grandchildren—whether the recipe turned out or not, the memories and laughter always did. She always had a project in the works, something creative to share, or a new skill to pass along.

Her faith, involvement at Trinity Lutheran and Grace Lutheran, her Norwegian roots, and the Sons of Norway were sources of community, guidance, purpose, and meaning throughout her life.

Determined and fiercely independent, Helen lived her life on her own terms. She left this world the same way she lived in it: strong, capable, and focused on what she believed needed to be done.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton. 

Helen’s spirit, humor, and strength will remain with those she loved.