Helen Eleanor Kronblad – February 27, 2009

Helen Eleanor Kronblad was born August 23, 1908 in  Coeur’d Alene, Idaho.  She graduated from  Coeur’d Alene High School  in 1926.  In 1929 she graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Spokane Washington.  This was followed by private duty nursing in Spokane and general duty nursing at the Wardner Hospital in Kellogg, Idaho.

Helen Eleanor Kronblad entered the University School of nursing in 1932 and graduated in 1935 as a member of Sigma Epsilon, and allied medical honorary for women.

She became a member of the Seattle Health Department in 1935 and retired February 1, 1970.  Her assignments in the Health Department included public health nurse in the Well Child Clinic, first supervisor of the South Office, Supervisor in the West Seattle Office, public health nurse at Lee House for Senior Citizens, public health nurse in the Central District and in the Tuberculosis clinic.

She was the first public health nurse hired by the Health Department who had a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, others at that time had public health certificates only.  She was one of the nurses who helped to establish civil service for nurses employed by the city.

During World War II she served with the Army Nurse Corps and attained the rank of 1^st Lieutenant.  She was assigned to Sea Duty and made nine trips in the Pacific and ten trips to Europe.  Her last army assignment was that of Chief Nurse on the Alexander M. Patch, sailing out of New York to Bremerhaven, Germany.  Most of her Army career was in the Army Occupation.

During her life she traveled extensively visiting 59 countries throughout the world.

Helen Eleanor Kronblad was a member of the American Nurses’ Association and the American Association of University Women.

In retirement, she returned to the University of Washington and earned second bachelor’s degree, this time in English Literature.

As a member of the Army Reserves, she was retired the Honorary Army Reserve.