Helen M. Harrington

Helen M. Harrington, age 84, passed away peacefully from this life into the loving arms of our Lord on Saturday, May 18th, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. A private memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 22nd at First Evangelical Free Church, 9th and Douglas, Sioux City, Iowa.

Born on October 04, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Helen was the beloved middle child of Ubert and Lucille (Johnson) Hanson. She attended school in Minneapolis and, after graduation, dazzled audiences for two years as a professional ice skater with Holiday on Ice. Helen’s passion for ice skating was evident, but in the summer of 1958, while rehearsing in Sioux City, it led her to a different kind of magic when she met the “love of her life”, Tom Harrington. Helen knew within minutes that Tom was “the one”, and six months later, she hung up her skates to marry him on September 19, 1959, in Minneapolis, MN. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage before Tom’s passing in February 2020.

Together, they built a beautiful life, welcoming their son Charles, and daughter, Leslie, and moving across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. During these years, Helen worked at several different jobs but most significantly she worked in the hospital industry. First in the surgery department of St. Luke’s in Sioux City, then in their medical staff office, and lastly working for an insurance company. They eventually retired in MN at their lake home, which was built by their son Charles.

Helen was an active member of her church community, serving as head of the altar guild, playing piano for services, making prayer shawls, and was a part of the hospitality team. Her welcoming spirit extended beyond the church; she loved hosting family gatherings and other events in her home, making everyone feel cherished and welcomed.

An avid reader, talented seamstress, passionate gardener, and enthusiastic crafter, Helen especially enjoyed crafting with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her greatest joy was her family and she relished every moment spent with them.

Helen had a big heart and an even bigger smile. Her home was filled with big hugs, hearty laughter, and making cherished memories. She touched countless lives with her kindness and left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Survivors include her son Charles (Robyn) Harrington of Sioux City, daughter Leslie (Anthony) Green of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren: Damon Harrington, Kymberlee (Patrick) Patterson, Kelli (Mason) Jensen, Jessica Green, and Samantha Green; great-grandchildren: Clover, Guy, and Cooper. She is also survived by her sister Mary Remes, sister-in-law Cathy Hanson, brother-in-law Don Harrington, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ubert and Lucille (Johnson) Hanson, her dear husband, Tom Harrington, and brother Roger Hanson.

Helen (Nani), we’ll deeply miss your loving spirit, witty sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to those you loved. We find comfort and peace in knowing she is dancing again with the “love of her life” and, in the evening, going down to the dock together to “throw a line in”.