La Grande, Oregon
Local Funerals and Visitations
Oct. 16 – Helen Harkey, celebration of life, 2 p.m., Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation and Life Celebration Center
La Grande Observer – October 14, 2009
Helen E. Harkey
La Grande
1940-2009
Helen Elaine Harkey, 69, of La Grande, died Oct. 10 in Boise. A celebration of life will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St. in La Grande.
Helen was born April 22, 1940, to Henry B. and Donna (Paulfurman) Mortensen in Salt Lake City. She was the youngest of 14 children. The family later moved to California, and she married Harry Dunne with whom she had her children. The marriage later ended in divorce.
She worked as a dietician in hospitals for many years. She moved to Oregon to be near family.
Those who knew her say Helen’s favorite hobby was taking care of her family. She was known as “Nanny.” She was considered by those who knew her a talented seamstress. She loved cooking, all types of crafts, home decorating and was very creative.
She enjoyed watching soap operas on television. She enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids.
Survivors include her former husband and his wife, Harry and Christine Dunne of Apple Valley, Calif.; children, Colleen and Eddie Cascio of La Grande, Veronica Arnold of La Grande, Karen and Dennis Moore of Elgin, William and Kelly Dunne of La Grande, Wayne Dunne of La Grande, Christopher Dunne of Apple Valley, and Eric Walling of La Grande; brothers, Leroy Mortensen and Chuck Mortensen, both of Salt Lake City; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a multitude of great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and other relatives.
Memorial contributions may be made to ALS in care of Daniels-Knopp.
La Grande Observer – October 15, 2009