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Helen E. Dahlen, 82, a 34 year resident of Albuquerque peacefully passed away at her home on Friday, May 7, 2004, after an extended illness. She was born Saturday, April 29, 1922, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Chrest and Caroline Johnson and was known with her two sisters as "The Johnson Girls" - terrors on the softball fields, ice rinks and basketball courts. When World War II broke out, she and her sisters moved to San Antonio, Texas, to support the war effort. Helen worked for the War Department as a keypunch operator and administrative assistant at Kelly Field. While there she made numerous close friends whom she kept in contact with over the decades until just before her death. Friends, neighbors and family were the most important parts of her life. After returning to North Dakota post war, she met and married a returning sailor, Lawrence H. Dahlen, and together started a family which eventually consisted of two sons and a daughter. After moving to Albuquerque in 1970, she became an active volunteer with Meals-on-Wheels, and eventually became a supervisor for a portion of their operations. Throughout her life, she maintained a strong pride for her children, her six grandchildren, her nieces and nephews and awaited their frequent arrivals with much anticipation and joy. Just days prior to her death, she celebrated her birthday with her children who flew in for a mini family reunion. Helen is survived by her son Gary W. Dahlen and wife, Sharon, Manitou Springs, Colorado, her son Robert L. Dahlen, Bedford, Texas, and daughter Patricia A. Whitney, Warrensburg, Missouri, a sister, Jean Williams, La Mesa, California, and six wonderful grandchildren. Preceding Helen in death were her husband Larry, and her sister Dorothy Rasmussen of Fargo, North Dakota. Helen will find her final resting place with her husband Larry at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Helen treasured her independence to the last day of her life. She wanted to be sure to thank her wonderful neighbors and friends for their ongoing support during these last years -- doing all those things she was unable to accomplish around the yard, working on her home appliances, bringing meals and providing companionship, and volunteering to do her grocery shopping. A special thanks is given to Hospice of Lovelace Hospital and Home Instead Senior Care for providing health care and ensuring her safety during the last months of her life. They truly made a difference in her quality of life and her health. She led a full and rewarding life, and she will be missed . . . Graveside services will be held Thursday, May 13, 2004, 10:00 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Wednesday, May 12, 2004 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that any donations be sent to the Hospice of your choice, or Meals on Wheels, 8403 Constitution NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. French Mortuary, Inc 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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