Helen Marie Thompson, 89, a resident of the Hillsboro community passed away on May 18, 2020 in the presence of loving family.

Helen Marie Thompson was born August 15, 1930 in Hillsboro, Oregon, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Nist) Seus. Helen was raised on the Seus family farm and received her early education at St. Matthew Catholic School. Upon graduating Hillsboro Union High School, Class of 1948, Helen went on to pursue her teaching certificate at Marylhurst College earning a B.S. in Education in 1953. After graduating college, Helen married her high school classmate Thomas "Tommy" Thompson on July 11, 1953. She began her career as an elementary school teacher at Barnes Elementary School in Beaverton. After taking a pause from teaching to raise her four children, Helen became a single mom managing both a family and a career. In 1973 she resumed her teaching career at St. Matthew Catholic School, eventually transferring to Gaston Elementary School. Helen's highly rewarding career as an elementary school teacher is evident in the commitment, respect, and genuine concern she had for her students and fellow colleagues during her 24 years of service. Her gentle nature, positive attitude, and sincere supportive interest in her students helped facilitate the learning and success of her students while instilling good values, mature attitudes, and self discipline. Retiring in 1992, Helen was described as a top-notch professional and a master of the curriculum. "One of those special people who can always be counted on for a smile and a pleasant word."

In early retirement, Helen did what she loved to do most, spend time with family and friends, especially her six grandchildren. A teacher through and through, she put her skills to good use teaching them to read and develop their math skills. Helen adored her nieces and nephews and found much happiness in spending time with them. Helen also enjoyed traveling to visit her sons and their families and other extended family across the U.S. and abroad. Helen's concern for others and willingness to lend a hand kept her busy volunteering at various charitable organizations including St. Matthew Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul, American Red Cross, and Meals on Wheels. For relaxation she spent much of her time working and gardening in her yard.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff at Avamere at Bethany, Brighton Hospice, and The Springs at Tanasbourne for the loving care and support of their mother.

Helen is preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Marie Thompson; the father of her children, Thomas Thompson; her parents, Joseph and Mary Seus; her four brothers, Joe Seus, John Seus, Ed Seus, and Bernie Seus and her four sisters, Mary Lahti, Genevieve VanGrunsven, Dorothy Vuylsteke, and Bertha Herb.

Survivors include her three children and their spouses; Samuel and Joyce Thompson of Chandler, Arizona, Michael and Nancy Shannon of Portland, Oregon and Joseph and Janine Thompson of Irvington, New York. She is further survived by her six grandchildren; Tyler and Nathaniel Thompson, Robert and Emily Shannon, and Ryan and Jessica Thompson.

In memory of Helen, the family suggests donations to Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), OHSU Brain Institute Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, or St. Matthew Catholic School.