SUQUAMISH — Helen Forsman, mother of Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman, passed away on June 16, 2017 in Retsil. She was 94.

Rosary will be recited beginning at 7 p.m. June 23 at St. Peter’s Mission, with a memorial at 11:30 a.m. June 24 at Kiana Lodge.

Helen was born on April 27, 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland, to Marian Winterbottom and Russell Pence. She was raised by her mother, who worked at the famous Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore.

Helen worked in a military airplane factory in Baltimore during World War II, and married USCG Boatswain’s Mate James W. Forsman of Suquamish on June 14, 1943 at the Baltimore Basilica. After the war, they made their home in Suquamish, where they raised their five children and nephew Joe.

Helen was active in her community, establishing some of the Suquamish Tribe’s early educational programs. She had a lengthy career at Kiana Lodge where she served as manager, hosting many famous guests including King Hussein of Jordan, Vice President Spiro Agnew and actor Jaclyn Smith. Helen loved to travel, including trips to China, Australia and Europe.

She is survived by her sons Jim of San Francisco, and Tony, John and Leonard of Suquamish; grandchildren Shawn, Robert, Chelsea and Ann, all of Kitsap County; and great-grandson Marion. She is preceded in death by children Linda, Richard and Marion; husband, James; and nephew, Joe.

— Family of Helen Forsman