Helen Louise Thorne, age 71, of Washington, Iowa, died Sunday, January 20, 2013, in Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii, following a two-year battle with cancer.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at the United Presbyterian Church in Washington with Rev. Bob Wollenberg officiating. Visitation will begin noon Monday, January 28, 2013, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday evening. Memorials have been established for Hospice, the Washington Community Theater, the Washington Community Y, or to United Presbyterian Church Youth Programs. Online condolences may be sent to Helen's family at www.jonesfh.com

Helen was born July 1, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of William and Mary (Wheeler) Gilbert. She graduated from Chariton High School, and later went on to attend Simpson College, the University of Iowa, and Northwest Missouri State University. Helen was united in marriage to John Thorne on June 27, 1970, in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Helen has been a resident of Washington, Iowa since 1970. She was a photographer for the Washington Evening Journal and the Fairfield Ledger. She later taught swimming lessons and Joint Effort classes at the YMCA, and she was also employed as the Technical Theater Director for Washington High School.

Helen was a member of the United Presbyterian Church where she was active as a Deacon and Session Leader. She enjoyed doing artwork for the church, was a longtime member of the Church Choir and served on the Preschool Board. Helen was active in the Washington Community Theater, where she served on the Board, and assisted with productions as a costumer. She also served on the Washington Concert Association Board. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter J and was a charter member of Chapter O.C. Helen volunteered at the Washington Junior High School in their sewing and community writers classes. Helen was a Campfire Leader for several years. Despite her many activities, Helen's main focus was caring for her family. She enjoyed trips to Hawaii and the time she spent with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her husband John Thorne of Washington, Iowa; daughter Mary Mendelin and husband Michael of Bettendorf, Iowa; daughter Sandra Abbott and husband Kevin of Urbandale, Iowa; five grandchildren: John and Leah Mendelin of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Elizabeth, Audrey, and Olivia Abbott of Urbandale, Iowa; brother Richard Gilbert and Julie Gammack of Gulfport, Florida; brother Jerry Gilbert and wife Cherie of Bloomfield, Iowa; and brother Fred Gilbert and wife Carol of Ottumwa, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Carolyn Gilbert.