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Helen Theresa (Petrettee) Kofmehl

Today we mourn the passing of Helen Theresa (Petrettee) Kofmehl, a mother of five, grandmother of thirteen and great-grandmother of soon-to-be eleven. She was the youngest and last living child of four children, of Rafael Petretta and Anna Bianco; the American version, Ralph and Anna Petrettee. Born in 1933, she was raised as a member of St. Patrick’s Parish, located in the northeast section of Spokane, Wash., within a tight-knit neighborhood known as Hillyard.

Raising her children where she grew up, amongst such a loving family and close friends, was a blessing. She was the epitome of a single, working mother and the leader of our family; ensuring we knew there was always a way to reach our goals no matter the obstacles and passing on life’s lessons, the love of gardening and the outdoors to all that would listen.

As a state employee, always a little outspoken and very determined, she helped employers develop low-cost training programs and matched workers with openings, receiving many awards as recognition of her accomplishments.

Shortly after retirement, she spent 15 years in the Sunbird Community of Chandler, Ariz., where she met many new friends and enjoyed being a member of the Italian American Club. Our sweet mom even brought her most recent neighbors in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, back to their faith through group rosaries, prayers and holding off-site Masses lead by Fr. Flores of St. Pius X Catholic Church of Coeur d’Alene. We admire her for her strength, dedication and the love she showed us all. She will be missed more than anyone could imagine.

Rosary service will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Church, 5021 N. Nelson St., Spokane, Wash. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019, also at St. Patrick’s Church, followed by a burial ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall St., Spokane, WA 99208.