Helen Constance Washburn

Helen Washburn

Monroe, Utah

Helen "Lennie" Constance Watters Washburn, 99, died 25 May 2019 at her home in Monroe, Utah. She was born on 18 May 1920 in Plumweseep, New Brunswick, Canada to Celenna Watson Watters and Wilbur S. Watters. She grew up in Wilmington, MA and graduated as class valedictorian from Wilmington High School. She attended Boston University, then went to nursing school at Massachusetts General Hospital. While working as a registered nurse she met Clayton Washburn, who was working on the development of radar at MIT. They were married on 25 June 1943. After WW II they moved first to the Chicago area, then to Thornwood, NY where they lived for fifty years. In their late 80s they decided to build a home and retire to Clayton’s boyhood hometown of Monroe, Utah.

Lennie continued part-time in her nursing career as she raised four children. Later she became the business, personnel and production manager of their company, Washburn Laboratories, Inc., playing a pivotal role in making it the success it became.

Lennie was always deeply involved in her community. She was active in the PTA, the Women’s Club, the Girl Scouts and many other social and civic organizations. She loved houseplants and gardening, ballroom dancing, crafts of all sorts, particularly sewing, the Utah Jazz, and was an avid traveler. She was gracious and welcoming to all and loved and admired.

She is survived by her four children: David, Christie (Erwin Sityar), Gay Washburn, Sharon W. Southerland (Patrick); two grandchildren, Alex Sityar and Sarah Southerland (Tom Cervantes); her sister Fyrne Watters Estes; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at her home, 2581 North Washburnville Road, Monroe, Utah. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to one of Mom's favorite charities.