Helena Gertrude Haarsma passed away peacefully to be with her Savior on May 21, 2013 at the age of 86. She was living at "Where the Heart Is" in Burlington, Washington. Helena was born on June 27, 1926 to Gerrit and Fӱ tje De Haan in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel in the Netherlands. On July 24, 1947 she married John Haarsma in Uithoorn, the Netherlands. They moved to California in 1947 and to Washington in 1961 to begin dairy farming. Helena was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon, WA where she faithfully attended. She belonged to Golden Hour, attended senior potlucks, and did babysitting in the nursery during Vacation Bible School for many years. Helena was a wonderful cook and baker. She enjoyed gardening and flowers and loved to read books, take walks, knit and travel. She volunteered her time serving hot lunch at Mount Vernon Christian School for many years. Helena is survived by her children Sylvia (Henry) Van Zanten, Linda (Jim) Poortinga, Martha Haarsma, John (Yvonne) Haarsma, Ken (Ellen) Haarsma; grandchildren: Henry (Pam) Van Zanten, Rich (Amy) Van Zanten, Greg (Stacey) Van Zanten, Sandi (Mark) Curry, David Poortinga, Christy (Chuck) Bertholomey, Kim (Jed) McMullen, Tim (Tashi) Haarsma, Pam Haarsma, Adam Haarsma, Chad Haarsma, Jordan Haarsma; great grandchildren: Danielle, Kendall, & Devin Van Zanten, Isabella & Griffin Van Zanten, Katelyn, Breanna, & Makenzie Van Zanten, Jake & Emily Curry, Elly & Alyssa McMullen, Mya, Carter, & Marcus Haarsma and one sister Susan Van Spyker. She was preceded in death by her husband John, an infant daughter, her parents, sisters Trudy Greidanus and Frieda Emmelkamp, and brothers Henry De Haan, George De Haan, Jerry De Haan, and Pete De Haan. Viewing will be held at Hawthorne Funeral Home in Mount Vernon on Thursday, May 23 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Friday, May 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon, WA. Memorials contributions may be made to Mount Vernon Christian School.