Helen Catherine Carter

September 28, 1930 - December 28, 2017

spectator she was not, which became abundantly apparent at a particular play-off game. It was the first time in the history of Ocosta High School that they had made it to the Class A State Basketball Championships, not once but twice, consecutively in two years. Woe to the ref who made a bad call that day! Like a Hawk zooming down on its prey, Helen flew from the second floor of bleachers straight to the ref. The game was stopped to assist the ref - and, to remove “the interference.” When the game resumed, Ocosta pulled ahead and eventually went on to win the State Class A Basketball Championship. Her husband, a man of few words, said only four words about the incident, “Way to go, Helen!” Helen supported the city of Westport and was a politician by “proxy.” She seldom missed a meeting and was unafraid to express her concerns. One such concern was after several council members had opposed to donating a city-owned house to the senior citizens. As a result, Helen organized a team of seniors, signs and all, and picketed city hall. It was Westport’s first political demonstration! Needless to say, when visiting Westport today, one can check out the facilities of Westport’s popular Senior Citizens House. You see, there are people who watch what happens, others who ask, “What happened?” Then there are those who make things happen. Helen made things happen, and she had two ways of doing it: 1) Helen’s way, and 2) Helen’s way. End of story. Nephew John Mark Stoich of Arlington once said, “I love her laughter. Nobody laughs like Aunt Helen!” Helen did have infectious laughter that worked in tandem with her 1000- watt smile. Mix that with a huge dose of humor and compassion, a touch of temper, and topped off with an unbridled flare for adventure, and you had a woman who owned every room she entered. Helen is survived by her husband Jim Car ter of Chelan, Wash.; Frank Merino (wife Deb) of Graham, Wash.; Doug Merino (wife Kay Erak-Merino) of Olympia, Wash.; Shelly Stamps (husband Steve) of Chelan, Wash.; and Roberta Merino (wife of the late Joe Merino) of Westport, Wash. Helen was Grandma to 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and has numerous nieces and nephews. When Helen’s husband Jim first met her he said, “Helen is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” She was his queen and he treated her as such from beginning to end. Helen had full reign over his heart, and no kingdom could have ever found a more committed, loyal subject than Jim Carter. The last thing he said the to his family as they left her home on Dec. 28, 2017, was, “Helen is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” …and that is because she was. A private family celebration of her life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations made to the Westport Senior Citizens House. Please feel free to leave any thoughts and memories for the family at www.prechtrose.com. Precht Rose Chapel of Chelan is entrusted with the services.