Helen V. “Hallie” Fuller
On the eve of Mother’s Day our beloved mother, dear friend and one great lady passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 95. These written words cannot express how much she will be missed and how lucky we were to have had her in our lives.
Hallie was born on September 1, 1916, in East Helena to Anton and Caroline Sasek. She was the third of four sisters and was very proud of her East Helena Sasek/Petek heritage. She attended St. Cyril and Methodius Grade School and was one of the “railroad car” graduates from Helena High.
In 1935 she married Harry Fuller of Anaconda and they had three children – Harry, Jr., David and Cathy. In the early 1940’s they opened Fuller’s Home Grocery (the Little Store) and were in business in the community until 1959. Hallie and Harry were divorced and she moved to Helena in 1960. She worked at the Home Building and Loan, Buttreys and Super Save Drug and eventually went to work at the Montana Department of Transportation until she retired in 1983.
Hallie was many things. She was a dancer, a traveler, a great cook, devoted to her family, a snappy dresser, a bowler, occasionally stubborn, a gardener, a hard worker, and always ready to have a good time. She loved to travel and meet new people. Her trips included Australia and New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska and a number of vacations visiting her daughter in Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Boise. Wherever she went she developed a new group of friends and admirers. In her late 70’s she floated the Colorado River and her last adventure was to Banff and Lake Louise. She loved to polka and attended polka fests as often as possible and made friends with people from all over the country.
Hallie met Pete Cartwright in 1971 and they were together until Pete’s death in 2001. They shared many good times and all of their friends loved to be entertained with “Cartwright” stories and Hallie’s urging him to “tell them the one about…” Pete and Hallie were fine companions.
Hallie had an outgoing personality and loved to laugh. She was a member of the Elks, two Red Hat organizations and, in her 70’s was one of the Blanche Judge dancing team. She would find the appropriate costume for any event and wasn’t afraid to get up and perform in front of an audience. She joined the Broadwater when it first opened and continued her swimming after she was 90.
In 2010 as her health and energy began to ebb, she went to live at Aspen Gardens. The family is extremely thankful for the loving care she received and expresses our gratitude to all of the wonderful staff and also to the members of St. Peter’s Hospice who helped during her last months. While it was difficult not to have her at home, we were confident in knowing she was in good hands.
Hallie was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Marianne, Wilma, and Emily. She is survived by her sons Harry, David (Adeline Miller), and daughter Cathy all of Helena. She also leaves behind her grandsons David (Meridith) Fuller and Kyle Fuller and her beloved great granddaughters Katherine and Whitney (Joseph) along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of very good friends.
A memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. with a reception to immediately follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of St. Peter’s c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
It is difficult to say goodbye to such a dynamic and fascinating woman as our mother, but we are grateful that we had so many wonderful years with her and for the many sacrifices she made for us through the years. We’ll miss you Hallie now and forever.
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Allen Stenhjem Family says
What A Lady ‘ Our thoughts and Prayers are with Harry,Dave and Cathy.God Bless.
Chris M. Rouse says
My thoughts and prayers to Hallie’s entire family. I have to say if I lived half the life Hallie did I would live a very full life. I had not see or spoken with Hallie for a few years but the memories or many, from the Polkafests in Rock Springs, Boulder, and Las Vegas. All the great times with F. Yankovic and the year 2000 polkafest to our wild west bar hang out in East Helena. We had so much fun and Hallie made it so much funner and the laughter was non stop that is how I will always remember my dear friend Hallie for her laughter. God Bless you Hallie and give Yankovic and the polka gang our regards. I will never forget you and thanks for the memories sweetie, I will miss you.
Chris Rouse
Denver, CO
Colleen Reardon Marks says
Hallie was one of a kind. She will be misse by many
DEBBIE (MURGEL) SCHRAMM says
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOUR MOM WAS A SWEET LADY. I ENJOYED TALKING TO WHEN WE GOT TOGETHER FOR THE COUSINS LUNCHES. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. SHE HAD A HEART OF GOLD. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Diane Eby says
Hallie was a very special lady. So sorry for your loss. Diane (Dietrich)Eby
Didriksen Family says
Harry, your mother was a very active lady all her life. I remember her well, our condolences to the family. Betty
Francis Brooks says
Dear Cathy and the entire Fuller Family: What a grand lady Hallie was. Please acccept our condolences. I think I hear a polka coming out of the sky right about now.. Sincerely, Frank Brooks & Jack Penix San Rafael CA
Glen Cuchine says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Hallie’s family and many friends. I have many happy memories of stopping in the “Little Store” on my way to/from East Helena Public School on Main Street. Hallie and Harry were always like another Mom and Dad to all of us. A wonderful lady and a hometown ‘heroine’.
Helen Richter says
To Hallie’s family
I was sorry to learn that Helen passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
God Bless
Helen Richter
Joseph & Janice Gruden says
We met Hallie at a polka fest in Rock Springs WY. We became great friends of her whenever we would see her and we did see her at many polka fests and a wonderful time with her. She was like a second mother to us. We loved her very much and really miss seeing her at the polka fests. May God Bless her and all of her family.
Love, Joe and Janice from Leadville Colorado
Mary Jean (Rigler) DeGroat says
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s death. Will always remember going to the “Little Store” as a kid.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Colleen Cartwright says
What a lovely tribute to Hallie. Our sincerest condolences, Mike and Colleen Carwtright
Nata Noland says
Harry, Dave & Cathy, Your mother was truly one of a kind. She was so full of life, always friendly and certainly loved a good time. Randy and I have fond memories of your mother. Sorry for your loss. Love you, Nata
Ray Brown says
Dave,
Just heard about your mother’s death. Please know that you both are in my prayers and thoughts.
Keep in touch old friend,
Raymond
Reene' (Hamer) Milam says
Aunt Hallie always wore a smile and loved to joke and tease. I will keep those wonderful memories forever.
Rich Munger says
Harry, “Spike” and Cathy…my sincere condolences at the loss of your Mom. “Hallie” was a busy and vibrant lady. She lived a full life, and I hope we all can be so lucky.
Sandra Nachtsheim says
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. I have so many wonderful memories of times shared with your dear mother. My thoughts are with you. Sandra
Sharon Finney says
I have many fun memories of Hallie, dating back to your place on Rodney. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cathy and Dave.
Stan McCloskey says
Hallie was one of the finest ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.Some day we will meet again at that big Polka Fest in the sky. Until then; rest in peace my friend.