Helen Cecile Lyman Wilson, 95, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully into the Arms of her Heavenly Father on June 10, 2017 at Son Heaven Assisted Living in Helena. Helen was born on January 11, 1922, in Helena, Montana, to George and Rose Mary Gabel Lyman and graduated from Helena High School in 1940 and was employed by Mountain States Telephone Company. She married Cecil Vance Wilson Jr. January 18, 1943, in Helena, MT., and enjoyed a honeymoon to Chicago. Vance was stationed with the US Army in Fort Bragg North Carolina and marched with General Patton during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Vance joined the Helena Hardware Company and later became a partner with his father and uncle. Helen and Vance made their home in Helena where they raised two daughters; Jane and Anne. She was a warm and loving homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. Through the years, she was active in Red Cross Nurses Aid Program, Girl Scouts Organization and P.E.O. Helen loved to play Bridge with her many cousins and friends and also enjoyed the game of golf.
Helen will be greatly missed by her daughters; Jane and husband; Jim Howard, Anne and husband; Tom Gail, grandchildren; Julie Howard (Alan) Willse, Jason (Rachael) Howard, Jeremy Howard, Leah MacKenzie, Cody (Jennifer) Atchison, great-grandchildren; Michael, Matthew and Anna Willse, James and John Howard, Vance and Vivian Atchison. She is survived by her sister; Beverly and husband; Phil Reinig of Santa Fe, NM., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her devoted husband; Cecil Vance Wilson Jr. in 1999, her parents; George and Rose Mary Lyman, sister; Lois and husband; Leo Bilger, sister-in-law, Vera Wilson Lutz, infant great grandchildren; Jack and Grace Howard. Helen’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff and Caregivers at Son Heaven Assisted Living who so lovingly cared for Helen for 12 years. She regarded Son heaven as her home and staff as her family, and enjoyed the delicious meals. The family would also like to give a special thank you to Frontier Hospice.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 20, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 20, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Nancy Foley says
To the family of Helen Wilson. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. John 5:29
Suzanne says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Helen. May comfort and peace from God help you through this difficult time. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
Ronald F. Waterman says
Ron Waterman: My wife Mignon and I moved to Helena in June, 1970 and rented a basement apartment from Helen and Vance on Benton Avenue across from the Civic Center. Helen and Vance welcomed us and introduced us to Helena in ways only life time residents could. We had a young child, our oldest son, Briar at the time and both Helen and Vance we very kind to us. We visited with them at the cabin up Rimini and so enjoyed their stories about the years past in Helena. Vance and Mignon’s uncle worked together on crews with the U. S. Forest Service and from time to time the 7 of us, Guy and is wife Ester, Vance and Helen and the three of us went off into the hills to enjoy the day. Those were great times and I still have wonderful memories of how welcoming Helen and Vance were.
T. Kelly says
My condolences to the family. May fond memories from a life well lived (95 years) bring you joy. Psalms 90:10 says, “The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong”. I hope you draw comfort from these memories, comfort from family and friends, and comfort from God during this difficult time, and know that by means of a resurrection, God is eager to restore life to those who have fallen asleep in death (John 5:28, 29).
MaryAnn Reinig Steen says
Sending our deepest condolences during such a great loss to our family.
So many wonderful memories throughout the years to mention, but have always made us smile!
Much love and prayers today & always
Love,
MaryAnn (Reinig) Steen & Family
Carol Woods says
Dear Jane and Anne, you have my deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved mother and my beautiful Aunt Helen.
She was a loving, elegant and beautiful woman of whom I adored. My childhood memories of spending time at your home with you, Aunt Helen and Uncle Vance are warm and fun loving. Much love and prayers to you.
Your cousin,
Carol Woods
Tom and Carol Dolan says
Jane and Jim,
We are so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. We know she will be missed. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Tom and Carol Dolan