Helen Nakvasil Joireman

On April 16, 1946, Helen Lucille Nakvasil was born to Frank and Marie Nakvasil in Columbia County, Oregon. She grew up on a farm in Scappoose, Oregon with her three brothers and four sisters.

Helen graduated from Scappoose Union High School in the class of 1964. Shortly after graduation, she enrolled in modeling school. However, it wasn’t long before she discovered her true passion. She absolutely loved caring for the elderly and began working for Robison Jewish Health Center in Portland, Oregon. Helen was an employee there for many years, and when she retired, she took care of her elderly parents until their passing. She also worked part time with her brother, Chuck, in the theatre business.

A devout Catholic, Helen attended mass regularly and enjoyed helping with church events. In her free time, she loved going to the casinos to play slot machines and bingo.

From childhood to adulthood, Helen loved to laugh and joke around with family and friends. Her sense of humor was unique and put a smile on everyone’s faces. (For example, she jokingly had an affinity for squirrels as well as sliding down polished banisters.) She was also a dog lover and made friends with every canine that crossed her path.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marie Nakvasil; brother Andrew (Andy) Nakvasil; sister Joanne Nakvasil; and sister Rose Player.

She is survived by her brother Charles (Chuck) Nakvasil of Portland, Oregon; Richard (Dick) Nakvasil of Boring, Oregon (wife Kathy); Susann Pfannenstiel of Blue Springs, Missouri (husband Jerry); Katherine (Kathy) Janes (husband Doug); and brother-in-law Joseph Player of Dallas, Oregon. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and her Yorkie, Puffy Nakvasil, who is now residing with her sister, Kathy.