Islanders may recognize Helene Paul from the San Juan Islands Farmers Market, assisting her daughter Laurie Paul, co-owner with her husband Tim, of Market Chef. Locals may not realize what she has quietly done for others.

“I am one of the fortunate people in the world that was given a special person as my only sibling,” Carol Meyer, Helene’s sister, said. “My sister has been there for her children, grandchildren and the many friends she has made from Miami to Friday Harbor. She has been a resident of Friday Harbor since 2003 and has enjoyed every year spent there.” Helene Paul, my special sister and best friend, turns 80 on July 24. She will be celebrating with her family and friends on that most special weekend. Happy Birthday, Helene.”

During the nearly 20 years that she has called Friday Harbor home, Helene has been supporting individuals under the radar simply because she saw someone who needed a hand.

Her daughter Stephanie Dosher noted that Helene has opened her door to islanders in housing transition on multiple occasions. As the housing crisis continues on the island, and across the nation, this generous act makes a huge difference in the life of someone she does not know, or know well.

“She has one of the best hearts, always has something good to say about people, sees the good in others,” Meyer said.

Dosher said Helene is an independent woman, who supported her daughters’ dreams and professional lives even when that meant the two girls moved to one of the farthest geographical places, to Friday Harbor from Miami Florida.

“She taught me to always have an opinion and never be shy to express it,” Laurie said. “Also, always be able to back it up with real facts and knowledge.”

“You would think that meant we were trying to get away from her, but it was actually the opposite, and we maintained our closeness,” Dosher said. “She was the kind of parent who was supportive of my sister and I moving across the country, and open-minded enough to see, learn and become part of the community [we moved to.]”

Although Helene and Meyer were five years apart, the two were close. They attended Friday rollerskating nights at their school’s basketball court, raced home after school and watched American Bandstand, and swam frequently. “It sounds so old, but life was so simple then. It didn’t take a lot to make us happy,” Meyer said. In later years, as life became more complicated, Meyer explain that Helene has always been there for her, and had her back when things got rough.

One of the practical lessons Helene taught her, Laurie said, was how to get stains out of anything. “I still how no idea how she keeps her dish towels so freaking white. Bleach?” she laughed.

After moving to the island, Helene has made a point of having the back of local businesses too. Dosher said whenever she needs work done on her house, for example, she is always sure to turn to a business on San Juan, rather than bringing in someone from off-island.

Helene is also a fan and supporter of the arts, particularly performing arts, attending Islands Rec Music on the Lawn frequently and never missing an Island Stage Left performance.

“My mom has always been inspirational, and sets the example of living her own life in her way, at any age,” Dosher said.