Helen Schwedenberg

Helen Schwedenberg, Artist, 83, of Mercer Island, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2015 at Covenant Shores on Mercer Island. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 26, 1931, to Lisa and Walter Blohm. Helen’s beloved brother, Ralph Blohm, a long time Mercer Island resident, preceded her in death.

Surviving her are sister-in-law, Alice Blohm, a nephew, Eric Blohm, three nieces, Linda Clapham, Leslie Blohm, and Lisa Losh, and their spouses and children.

Helen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1952. She then obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of California, Berkeley, in 1967. Thereafter she joined her brother and his family in the Northwest where she established professional roots as a social worker and received several accolades including the honor of a day named for her in 1994 by the King County Executive for her work in developing housing for the homeless. Helen retired in 1995 after working 17 years as the first Executive Director at Community Psychiatric Clinic in Seattle.

Helen loved to read and enjoyed attending the opera. She was also an aspiring artist from an early age. She continued painting during her professional career as a hobby, and after retirement became more serious. She served as President of the Mercer Island Visual Arts League and was a member of Eastside Association of Fine Arts. She was also an active member of the Fine Arts Board at Covenant Shores, with works displayed in Seattle, Bellevue and Mercer Island. Helen was a beacon of class, and loved by all who had the pleasure to know her.

At Helen’s request, there will be no memorial service. She asked that you consider a donation in her memory to the Mercer Island Center for the Arts. Mail your donations to P.O. Box 1702, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Or donate online through MICA’s website, at www.mercerislandarts.org/donate.