Helen Berniece (Pitman) Vine, passed away on August 19, 2010 at home, with family by her side. She was 81 when she lost her eight-year battle with cancer.

She was born to Sidney and Nellie (Gough) Pitman on October 26, 1928 in Bramwell, Idaho. She was the youngest of 11 children.

She spent her early childhood years living in Bramwell. After that, her family moved to Big Lake, where she attended school in Sedro-Woolley.

Helen married Ernest Vine on March 2, 1956 in Burlington, Washington. She spent 50 years dancing with the love of her life, and their passion for dancing introduced them to lots of lifelong friends.

She worked in various retail positions throughout her life, because she loved meeting new people. When she retired in 1988, she and Ernie began traveling and enjoyed spending their winters in California and Arizona.

One of her many passions was her love for flowers, and the joy they brought to others. Another passion was her love for arts and crafts, and she soon was known as the "Clown Lady". She participated in several craft shows and quickly was known as the "Craft Lady".

Helen had a zest for life and was actively involved with her family. A few of her favorite activities include camping trips, attending sporting events, family game nights, holiday gatherings, dancing, playing with grandchildren, and outings at Lake Samish.

Helen was a member of Burlington Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ernie Vine; her children, Theresa (Roger) Sanders, of Kennewick, Diane (Gary) Babcock, of Sedro-Woolley, Kimberly Vine, of Camas, and Randy (Rachelle) Vine, of Bellingham; her grandchildren, Todd (Brooke) Anderson, and their children, McKenna, Cody and Trae, of Ferndale, Troy (Debbie) Anderson, and their children, Hunter, Kennedy and Kamryn, of Burlington, and granddaughters, Alex and Emma Vine, of Bellingham. She also leaves behind her sisters, Nora Buck, of Kelso, and Alberta Swihart, of Sedro-Woolley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, four sisters, and her grandson, Rick Anderson.

A public viewing will be held from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 26th at Hulbush Funeral Home, Burlington, WA. A celebration of Helen's life will begin on Friday, August 27th at the Burlington Cemetery beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at Burlington Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. There will be a reception following the service.

Memorial contributions in honor of Helen may be made to American Cancer Society, Skagit Hospice or the Burlington Lutheran Church.

A special thanks to Visiting Angels (Tina, Beth and Rachel), Skagit Hospice (Roberta), Personal caregiver (Vicki), North Puget Cancer Center, Dr. Shetabi and Dr. Muff.

Published in Skagit Valley Herald Publishing Company on August 24, 2010