Early in the morning on September 15, 2019, Barbara (Barb) passed away at Apple Cooney Rehab in Helena, Montana after complications due to multiple myeloma. She was 87 years old.
Barbara was born on May 9, 1932 in Great Falls, Montana, to Olive and Harold Dickinson. She was an only child. She went to school in Great Falls through the 8th grade. In 1946 her father, who worked for the Montana Power Company, was transferred to Butte, Montana. In 1949 her father was transferred to Helena, Montana. Barb graduated from Helena High School in 1950.
Barb attended college at the University of Montana where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with minors in English and Music in 1954. She began her teaching career in Harlowton, Montana. This is where she met her future husband, James J. (Jim) Kenny, a fellow teacher. They were married on August 22, 1956 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral in Helena, Montana. She and Jim moved to Helena in 1960.
Barb and Jim had three daughters. Ann was born in 1958, Janet in 1960, and Lisa in 1964. In 1961 they moved into their new home on Flowerree Street and raised their daughters there. Barb’s fondest memories were of the large garden in the back yard. The family greatly enjoyed all the fresh vegetables during the summer and canned pickles, apple sauce and jams the rest of the year. Jim died in 1996. In 2000 Barb moved into a condo on Burnham Place.
Barb had many interests but music was her life-long passion. In 1956 she was selected to be a member of the All-American Chorus and performed in England, Germany, France, and Switzerland. In Helena, she directed the choir at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral for 18 years. She was a 1966 charter member of the Helena Symphony Chorale. She sang the role of the mother in Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors with the Helena Symphony at the Civic Center. She loved opera and was thrilled to hear live performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, The Seattle Opera and at La Scala in Milan, Italy. Later she enjoyed many performances of Live at the Met video broadcasts in Helena. She was very proud of the Helena Symphony and regularly attended performances.
Education was an important theme in her life. She enjoyed her time as a teacher both prior to her marriage and later in life when she returned to teaching in 1975 at Capital High School in Helena, Montana. She taught junior and senior English classes there until her retirement in 1992. She enjoyed her students and her fellow teachers. She was also active in P.E.O. Chapters AA and AO. P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization which provides scholarships for women to further their education.
After she retired, she enjoyed spending time birding, traveling and, most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren.
One of the special places in her life was Coopers Lake, Montana. She and her parents went there for many years before they built a cabin in 1973. Barb loved being at the cabin and having her family with her. They enjoyed many wonderful times together. Barb most appreciated the many species of birds, the bears, and the huckleberries.
Over Barb’s life, family was her first priority. Her daughters Ann, Janet, and Lisa and her grandchildren Therese, Richard, Max, and Maya were her pride and joy.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Olive and Harold Dickinson and her husband Jim Kenny.
Barb is survived by her daughters Ann (Norman Smith), Janet, and Lisa (Rick Mulder) and her grandchildren Therese Davis (Chris), Richard Davis (Surissa), Max Mulder and Maya Mulder.
A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall at the funeral home. Burial will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in her name to P.E.O. Chapter AA, the Last Chance Audubon Society, or the Helena Symphony.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11: 00 a.m.
Friday September 20, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday September 20, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11: 00 a.m.
Friday September 20, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday September 20, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Joan Meyer says
I taught with Barb and found her to be a delightful and wonderful lady. She was so friendly and interested in others. I will always remember that wonderful smile and the twinkle in her eye when she was engaged in conversation. Please accept my condolences. Most Sincerely, Joan Meyer
Judy Griffith says
During my time with the Helena School District it was a privilege to work with Barb. She exuded kindness and enthusiasm for her students, always willing to give whatever time and energy needed to motivate them toward success and help them over the bumps in life, whether academic or personal. She was the teacher every student deserves. I hope you find comfort in knowing she made a lasting difference in so many young lives.
Judy Griffith
Bek says
Lisa and family♥️ Thinking of you with love. Your Mother was amazing!
Michelle Van Nice says
Lisa,
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle
Janice Magee says
Lisa
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jan Magee
Maureen and Bruce Wright says
Ann: So glad you had the opportunity to spend time in Helena with your mom and family. Your mother had an awesome life so that is cause to celebrate. Thoughts are with you now. I know it is a difficult time. Take care.
Mickey Kunnary says
Mrs. Kenny was my teacher my junior year at Capital. She was a lovely lady and a great teacher! My condolences to the family.
Mickey Kunnary
Patricia Mandeville says
My condolences on the death of your mother and grandmother. We were both teaching at Capital High School at about the same time. She was delightful to talk to, and usually smiling. We worked together on occasion, and I thought of her as a good friend.
Vicki Roehl says
Lisa and family. My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort are with you in this time of loss and sorrow. Your Mom was always a sweet and gentle woman in my encounters with her.
Sandy Morgan says
Lisa and family, please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sandy Morgan
Chris Deveny says
Janet – My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Take Care. Chris