Helen E. Dunham, was born Helen Elizabeth Connor, in Pilot Rock, Oregon on March 16,1914. Her parents Charles and Rachel Connor raised Helen and her brother Lee and sister Dolores in Stanfield, Oregon.

Helen majored in the nursing program at Oregon State University. She later moved to Portland, to start her nursing career at St Vincent Hospital. Shortly after moving to Portland, Helen met Allan M. Dunham, who became her husband of almost 50 years. They raised two children Ellie and David in the city of Lake Oswego. She was a homemaker who also participated in the Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego Garden Club and many charities over the years. Allan and Helen later moved to Charbonneau where they retired.

Helen passed away at the age of 103 in Wilsonville, Oregon on Friday, November 3, 2017. She leaves behind her daughter Ellie Smith, five grand-children, eleven great-grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Helen was an incredible woman who will be missed by many. The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.