Helen Hinchey, 87; Former Palisadian

Helen Leontine Hinchey, a former 49-year resident of Pacific Palisades, died on September 30 in Sequim, Washington. She was 87. ”Born January 10, 1917 in rural Indiana to Hazel and Lawrence Stephenson, Helen spent many days enjoying her grandparents’ farm and the rural lifestyle during the Depression, and later in life loved to recount tales of ‘making do’ through tough times. Her family later moved to Elkhart, Indiana, where she grew up, went through school and developed many lifelong friendships. ”She fell in love with Robert Dotson and and married him on February 1, 1936. They established their home in what was then rural Pacific Palisades, where Bob began his career in the aerospace industry. They had four children together and enjoyed being ‘pioneers’ in an emerging community. Helen was a full-time mother and established many enduring friendships. She devoted herself to service to humanity, a life of personal integrity, unfailing loyalty to family and friends, and quiet generosity. ”In 1990 she moved to Sequim, Washington to be closer to her children, and resumed her commitment to community involvement and making innumerable friendships. She always enjoyed talking of her years in the Palisades, and particularly relished encountering old friends from the community. ”An avid volunteer, walker, pinochle player and homemaker, Helen was unusually open to rethinking her attitudes towards cultural and humanitarian issues. Her family and dear friends meant the most to her, and she was at her best when she could see a way to help those who needed it. She poured tremendous energy and resources into everything she did, and truly lived the life she wanted. ”Survivors include her son Ronald Olsen (wife Carolyn) of Port Townsend, Washington, and daughters Marilynn Dotson of Kirkland, Washington, and Carolynn Olsen of Westport, Connecticut. Her grandchildren include Lisa Olsen of Port Townsend, Warren Olsen (wife Cindy) of Valencia, and Whitney and Taylor Gagliardi of Westport. She took great pleasure in great-granddaughter Sara Fullerton of Port Townsend, and at the time of her passing she was anticipating the birth of a second great-granddaughter, Zoe. ”She was predeceased by her son, Dennis Olsen, along with her husbands Robert Dotson, Russell Olsen and Frank Hinchey. ”Family and friends attended a celebration of Helen’s life on October 10 at her home in Sequim.