Helen Zembal

Honoring a Life of Dedication and Adventure

Helen Zembal

Helen Margaret Zembal passed away peacefully Monday morning, June 09, 2025, at Evergreen Hospice Facility, with her husband by her side, in Kirkland, Washington.

Helen was born on June 30, 1957, to Albert Zembal and Flora Hansford-Zembal in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was a graduate of the University of Toronto and went on to become a Registered Nurse and practice as an RN over the next 37 years. She worked as a Pediatric ICU Nurse at Toronto Children’s in Toronto, BC Children’s in Vancouver, BC, Children’s Hospital in the NW Territories, and finally, retiring from Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington.

Helen is survived by her husband of 27 years, Donald, her sister Hazel, brother Robert, and brother-in-law Steve, and nieces and nephews.

With 37 years of devoted service as a Pediatric ICU Registered Nurse, she left an indelible mark on the lives of countless families and colleagues. Her skill, compassion, and calm under pressure were hallmarks of her esteemed career. Traits that earned her the deepest respect of all who worked alongside her.

Beyond her vocation, she embraced life with a spirit of bold adventure. Whether navigating the whitewater in a canoe, braving river rapids while rafting, or testing her endurance in triathlons, she thrived on challenge. Sailing the open waters, commanding a power boat, lacing up for hockey or baseball, and gliding down snowy slopes, she found joy and camaraderie in every pursuit. Her love of travel took her across continents, enriching her understanding of the world and forging friendships that spanned the globe.

Renowned for her steadfast reliability and unwavering determination, she was a pillar to friends and acquaintances. Her presence—whether in a bustling hospital ward, on a windswept riverbank, or among a crowd of fellow adventurers – was always felt and appreciated.

Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and relentless curiosity. She inspired those around her to live fully, give generously, and embrace each new experience with confidence.

From sailing a 70-foot sailboat for the enjoyment of listening to a Band playing in Seattle on the Pier to sailing the open waters in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, watching America’s Cup to the Caribbean, exploring the Islands. She will be deeply missed by her husband, family, and friends, but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

As her husband would say, she was my partner, best friend, and wife all wrapped in one. And she lived life.