Helen Sommers: An Oral History

Jeanne Kohl-Welles
of us legislators want to make sure we get credit
for something we’ve done, but that never seemed
important to her. I think that says a lot about her.
In fact, she’d seem surprised when people would
make a big deal about her and her accomplishments.
Representative Mary Lou Dickerson and I held
a farewell party for Helen at my home following the
2008 session. We invited Seattle area House and
Senate Democrats and a few others she wanted
there, as well. We had a really good turnout and
guests took turns talking about Helen. She just
sat there quietly, very gracious, and laughed with
others. But she seemed continually surprised with
so many people paying her accolades.
Helen’s been a wonderful mentor and friend – to
me and to a very large number of others.
pg. 155