Helen K. Gamache, 90, of Superior, died Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at Villa-Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center, Superior.

She was born March 19, 1926, in Brule, WI, daughter of Ludwig and Elizabeth (Schiesser) Westrud.

Some of Helen's memberships and former memberships included Cathedral of Christ the King, past president and treasurer of Cathedral altar society, past treasurer of Catholic Daughters-Court # 1190, Cathedral parish council and welcoming committee, D.A.V. Auxiliary and Douglas County Historical Society.

She enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers (over 500 pair), cooking, baking, and writing poetry.

Helen retired from the Superior YMCA after 21 years of service in 2003. She retired as bookkeeper but was once interim YMCA director and office manager. Her first job was at the old YMCA location, so she wanted to end her working days at the YMCA. She held various jobs over the years, but came back to the Y at the end.

Helen also worked as a cook at Cathedral of Christ the King, owned and operated S.O.S. Drive Inn on Moccasin Mike Road, and was the first bookkeeper for Upper Lake Foods.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Francis in 1990; great-grandson, Nathan; brother, Charles Westrud; sisters, Theresa Ross and Gertrude DonLevy; and step-father, Henning Gustafson.

Survivors include her daughters, Mary Lou Spicer, Superior, and Rose (John) Kidd, Superior; son, Peter (Laura) Gamache, Bennett, WI; 7 grandchildren, Theresa, John, Tina, Wendy, C.J., Sean and Gary; 12 great-grandchildren, Jessica, Cy, Chloe, Chase, Cai, Cinder, Leland, Jasmine, Toriona, Kyhaira, Lydia and John Jr.; brother, Raymond Westrud, Superior; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2017, at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior. The visitation will resume at 9:30 until the 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior.

Helen's grandchildren will be her pallbearers.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Cathedral of Christ the King, Cathedral School, or Catholic Daughters-Court #1190.

The family thanks the staff of Villa-Marina for their excellent care.