Helen Spletstoser, 87

Helen Spletstoser, 87, passed away on Feb 22, 2014, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

 Helen was born on Nov. 27, 1926, in Wola-Blakowa, Poland, to Jan and Paulina Mularczyk. She was the youngest of seven children.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Priest River on Saturday, March 1 at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River. There will be Reception after interment at St. Catherine’s Church.

Helen spent her teenage years interred in a Nazi slave labor camp. Allied Forces released her and she remained in Germany until moving to England in 1947.

There she began studies that included nursing at the Royal Infirmary in Oldham where she became employed. She also worked at St Giles Hospital in London. In 1960 Helen moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and began working at the Bonners Ferry Hospital as a registered nurse and midwife.

Lowell and Helen were married on Oct. 8, 1960. She also worked for Newport Hospital in the mid 1960s.Helen was very proud to pass her citizenship tests, becoming a citizen of the United States in 1969.

Helen is survived by sister Bernice Pera; husband Lowell Spletstoser, son Steven and wife Christine Spletstoser. She is also survived by grandchildren Kevin Spletstoser and partner Sherri Rudd, Casey and husband, Ron Santana; great-grandchildren include Keenan, Athena, Casey, and William.

Nieces and nephews include Mark, Helena, Henry, and Richard of the Portland area and others in Europe.

Nursing was a labor of love for Helen. She spoke of fond memories of her early childhood in Poland, where she assisted her mother, who was also a nurse, care for others in need.

Helen was deeply spiritual. Her faith helped guide her through the many challenges of her life. Helen also had a love of animals and a great appreciation for flowers. One of her favorite pastimes was fishing, for which she had a knack. Her love and compassion touched those who knew her.

 Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com