Daphne Hellemons Ghan, 89

Our beloved Daphne Anne Ghan passed away in Seattle on Oct. 25, 2026, two days after her 89th birthday. Born in Dickinson, N.D., on Oct. 23, 1937, she was the eldest of three daughters of John and Anna Hellemons and grew up in Wardner, Idaho. 

In high school, she served tea at city council meetings and graduated with honors from Kellogg HS in 1955. At the University of Idaho, she met Lavern (Vern) Ghan at a dance. They married in Kellogg, Idaho, on June 26, 1956, then moved to Hartford, Conn., where twin sons Mike and Steve were born in March. Two years later, they moved to Idaho Falls, then to Bellevue, Wash., where two more sons, Tom and Mark, and a daughter, Marcy, were born. They raised their family with the freedom to flourish. Later, Daphne earned a BS in urban planning from the University of Washington. In her career, Daphne served as Home Improvement Program Manager for the Seattle Housing Authority and Property and Construction Office Manager for the Archdiocese of Seattle. She managed the construction of nine new churches and three dozen renovation projects, using her listening and problem-solving abilities. 

Daphne loved “Toastmasters” speaking, drinking wine, playing bridge, gardening, hiking, cross-country skiing, Mariners games, reading, ceramics, socializing, and her cats. She and Vern traveled to Copper Canyon in Mexico, rode “The Ghan” train across Australia, and boated in Washington, Alabama, Canada, and Europe. They renewed their 50th wedding vows on a Mississippi River paddlewheeler cruise, toured Paraguay, Bolivia, Patagonia, New Zealand, Ireland, England, Scotland, Austria, Greece, and Russia; and enjoyed many holidays in Hawaii. Daphne came close to hiking the 100 Hikes of Washington, and instilled that love in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Vern and Daphne retired in Anacortes, snowbirded in Arizona, and later moved to Providence Point in Issaquah, where Daphne led the campaign to install a badly needed traffic light, and both took advantage of the educational opportunities. 

Daphne was the great matriarch of the Ghans. With spirit and wit, she discussed education, vocation, frugality, the outdoors, building, remodeling, gardening, and responsibility. She read The Economist. Her many memorable speeches at family gatherings drew laughter and tears. Daphne was kind and compassionate. She gave to Heifer International, and donations in her name are appreciated.

When Vern’s health declined, Daphne’s love for him manifested in daily visits.  

After a well-lived life, Daphne passed peacefully, her family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband of 70 years, Lavern Ghan, sisters, Patricia Reisinger and Virginia Patton (Robert), children Mike (Mary), Steve (Sharon), Tom (Cheryl), Mark (Julie) and Marcy (Rein); grandchildren Laila (Chris), David (Laura), Christina (De’Mel), and Jessica (Ryan); great-grandchildren Ruby, Sadie, Daphne Je, Vincent, Josie, Savannah, Eva, and Inez; and her cat Millie.

The celebration of life is Nov. 1, 2026. On Mother’s Day 2027, there will be a Garden Party. Contact Steven at [email protected] for details.