09/09/2026
Helen (Bemis) Iwai
Helen (Bemis) Iwai passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of adventure, friendship, laughter, and love.
Helen was born on November 28, 1949, in Olympia, Washington, to Peggy Harpel and Clyde Bemis. She grew up in Lacey, Washington. Graduating from North Thurston High School and she attended the University of Washington. As a child, she also treasured the time she lived in Crescent City, California, spending time with her favorite aunt and uncle, memories that remained a special part of her childhood.
At a young age, Helen was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a degenerative eye condition. While there were certainly times when her vision made things difficult, Helen never allowed it to stand in the way of living the life she wanted. Her independence, determination, and adventurous spirit carried her forward, and she continued to experience the world on her own terms.
After high school, Helen set out to see the world. True to her independent and adventurous nature, she hitchhiked across the United States, an experience that perfectly captured her fearless spirit and willingness to embrace adventure wherever it took her. Along the way, she lived in San Diego and Hawaii, making friends and creating memories that stayed with her throughout her life. Hawaii, in particular, held some of the happiest memories of her life, and she always carried a special love for the islands with her.
Helen’s adventures eventually took her around the globe, and she traveled to more than 50 countries. Everywhere she went, she made connections and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Many of those lifelong friends became family to Helen, and the bonds she created throughout her travels were among the treasures she carried with her throughout her life.
Eventually, Helen settled in Tokyo, Japan, where she spent 14 wonderful years. She embraced the culture wholeheartedly, learned Japanese, and became fully immersed in the life around her. She loved Japanese food and formed some of her dearest friendships during her time there. It was also during her years in Japan that she met Shuji Iwai, the father of her children, with whom she shared many years filled with fun and laughter.
Helen eventually returned home to Washington, where she spent the rest of her life surrounded by family and friends. One of the great joys of returning home was being close to her sister, Mary Lou. The two shared an especially close and loving relationship, living just two houses away from each other. They were a constant part of one another’s lives, sharing everyday moments, laughter, family, and the kind of sisterly bond that only grows more precious with time.
Helen was glamorous, generous, and fiercely independent. She was always the most dressed-up person in any room and never dreamed of leaving the house without her makeup on. Helen loved fashion, makeup, and looking her best, and she brought that same enthusiasm and flair to everything she did.
She also found great joy in her home and garden. She loved growing beautiful hydrangeas and birch trees and took pride in creating a yard filled with beauty and life. Her love of flowers was just one of the many ways she appreciated the beautiful things in life.
Family was at the heart of Helen’s life. She especially looked forward to her weekend outings with her daughters, Elaina and Kollene. The three of them would get their nails done, go out to lunch, and spend the day shopping together. Simple traditions that became treasured memories.
Helen adored her grandchildren and took great joy in spoiling them. They went to Target together so often, especially on Tuesdays, that the kids came to believe the store was called “Target Tuesday.” What began as a simple shopping trip became a beloved tradition of picking out toys and candy with Grandma, a memory they will carry with them forever.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Elaina Owens (Random) and Kollene Sarver (Bryon); her four granddaughters, Aria, Adeline, Rhaylee, and Emersyn, as well as a fifth granddaughter on the way; her sisters, Mary Lou McKinlay (Dennis) and Ellen O’Connor; her brother, Rick Bemis (Julie); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Helen touched many lives throughout her journey. Whether someone had known her for decades or had only met her once or twice, she had a way of leaving an impression. Her generosity, independence, adventurous spirit, glamorous style, and love of life will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In keeping with Helen’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Her family will honor her memory privately and in the way she wanted.
She leaves behind not only the people who loved her most, but also a lifetime of stories, friendships, laughter, and memories that will continue to live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.
Helen will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
