Helen Venada, a longtime resident of Friday Harbor, passed away on Oct. 12, 2013 after a short illness.

She was 70 years old.

Helen moved from the island earlier this summer without saying goodbye to many friends and loved ones. Her family hopes that those of you who wish they could have said goodbye can take comfort in knowing that she was cared for and loved by her son, daughter and son-in-law, in their home in California.

Helen will be remembered for her intuitive, amazing gardening skills and her lifelong dedication to environmental advocacy.

We honor her life by remembering her message of living simply.

— Family of Helen Venada

— Editor’s note: Click here to read an earlier Journal story about Venada’s dedication to waste reduction and recycling, and her recent retirement from the ranks of San Juan County.