Helen Irene Kanzler 

Piano Playing Wonder Broom Sweeper Extraordinaire Born to Earl 
and Lucy (Foskett) Pace, Sunnyside, WA. on March 12, 1916. Helen 
died in her home, with her three daughters at her side, on August 
24, 2009 at the age of 93. August 24th was and mom's 62nd wedding 
anniversary. Mom joined dad for this anniversary celebration. 
Helen was preceded in death by husband Bill, grandson Kenny, 
sisters Marian and Verna. She is survived by daughters Dorothy 
(Ron), Barbara (Tim) and Cathy. Helen is also survived by 14 
grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, one 
great-great-grandchild, sister Donna and many nieces, nephews and 
friends. Helen was Queen of "Fate Day" during her senior year of 
high school in Sunnyside, WA in 1934. As Queen she remembered 
riding in an open cockpit airplane as one of her prizes. She 
loved playing the piano and spent her entire life playing for 
herself, her family, weddings, the Lakewood Community Orchestra, 
and the Summit Singers, a senior singing group. As adults, the 
four "Pace Girls" spent much of their time talking and laughing 
through special lunches together. Getting lost on the way to 
these lunches was a specialty. On ocean vacations, for family 
reunions, Helen spent her time sweeping the floors of the cabins 
while Bill washed all the windows. She became the family sweeping 
icon and he the window washing icon. What fun we had teasing them 
about that. The last 14 years we spent our family reunion at her 
niece April's property, on the Tilton River, just outside Morton, 
WA where she retired from her sweeping duties. Helen worked for 
Talcott Music House in Yakima, WA before moving to Tacoma. She 
then spent one year at Seattle Pacific College studying music. 
Helen then went to work for the Tacoma Housing Authority where 
she met her husband, Bill. After working for THA she worked many, 
years for Ted Brown Music Company in downtown Tacoma until she 
finally retired at age 65. Helen was a member of the American 
Business Woman's Association for many years and enjoyed the 
fellowship of this group of business women. Helen lived a long, 
good, productive life. A nephew saidE"When Helen joined the 
Kanzler family she brought class to us." She indeed was a classy 
lady who will be missed by family and friends.

Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on August 28, 2009