Helen Vivian Ostander

Helen Vivian Ostrander, 87, passed away peacefully on June 15th, at the Legacy House care center in Bountiful, Utah. At her request, she was cremated, with a private gathering held by immediate family.

Helen was married to Weston Steven Ostrander, who had passed ten years previous and is survived by their sons Todd and Scott (and his wife Karen), her grandsons Ethan and Dylan, and her great-grandchildren Liam and Sylvana.

Born in Maynard, Massachusetts to William and Laura Hyden, the family moved to Anoka, Minnesota when she was a toddler. Growing up in Minnesota, she graduated from Anoka High School and worked for a short time for Honeywell as a secretary, until she met Weston there and they married, with designs for a family. Wes built a house on Weaver Lake in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they raised their two sons in their beautiful estate, with lush trees and gardens all around.

Helen loved tending her flower gardens and spent hours each week caring for a large variety of plants. When not working in her gardens, she was often refinishing antique furniture, which she and Wes would acquire at random estate and yard sales. Wes would repair and assemble any furniture with issues and Helen would make their final finish glow. The two earned a well deserved reputation for their quality work, selling the finished projects at antique shows and various shops. Antiques were not just a side-business and a hobby, but a passion and all the furniture and décor in their home were no younger than the turn of the 20th century. Helen loved collecting antique advertisement tins and signs, and she had a special affinity for cranberry glass.

In her personal life, Helen was known for having an outpouring of kindness and she loved to meet new people. In turn, she was well liked and loved by all around her. Full of good cheer, it was very rare to find her in a dour mood. Helen will be missed by many, who she touched day to day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, who aided Helen and Weston in the adoption of their two sons.