Betty Mae (Coleman) DeWolf (nee: Lupien)
Betty Mae died peacefully, full of courage and grace at St. Peters Hospital surrounded by the love of her family and friends on August 15th, 2012.
Betty Mae was born in Helena on December 16th, 1926 to Chester and Bernadette (Lupien) Coleman. She was Baptized, made her First Holy Communion, Confirmed and was Married at St. Helena Cathedral. All eight of her children were baptized there also. She attended St. Helena Cathedral’s grade school and high school and graduated in 1944. Following high school she attended St Mary College in Leavenworth Kansas. After college married Bill DeWolf on August 18th 1948. They were later divorced.
Betty Mae worked as an usherette at the Marlow Theater while in high school. After many years raising her children she went to work for Jacobson and Shope Architects. She later worked for the City of Helena as the Secretary for the City County Planning Commission. She had a great passion for Helena history and enjoyed exploring and researching its rich architecture. She helped research and compile information in an amazing book about Helena‘s historical buildings. She spent the majority of her working career, over 30 years, as an executive secretary to Alan Nicholson of Nicholson Inc. and Project Management. Alan was a life long friend and she was a “grandmother” to his children.
She was a gift to so many people. She did whatever she could to help anyone in need and believed God’s intention was for her to bring strength and encouragement to everyone she touched.
Betty Mae’s loves were simple and pure. She loved her God and she prayed to Him everyday. Her spiritual beliefs were strong and guided her life. She fought a great battle for several years with COPD and near the end of her life she said it was not a fight but a cross she carried so that she could be closer to God.
Betty Mae loved her family and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. She was the biggest supporter to all of her children and grandchildren. As the matriarch, the family gathered around her through out the many years. She was the family’s touchstone. She especially loved Sunday dinners with family and friends and was a wonderful cook. There was always a place for a new face at the table. Of of her many passions, one was to take long adventurous rides with family and friends in the mountains and enjoy the unbelievable sights of Montana.
Betty Mae loved flowers and believed to plant a garden was to believe in tomorrow. Her beautiful yard was a showcase and people loved to visit it.
She had an amazing circle of friends, old and new, and she treasured everyone.
The family truly appreciates the care and support provided by her son Toby during her extensive battle with COPD. His love for her was expressed by ensuring she was comfortable, secure, and engaged with many friends and activities. She maintained a high quality of life because of his devotion.
She will be deeply missed by her family, life long friends, co-workers and many adopted families.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Bernadette (Lupien) Coleman, brother Chester Coleman, sister –in- Law Barbara (Scherrer) Coleman, and children Daniel George and Stacie Ann.
She is survived by her children David (Jane), Denise Martin (Dennis), Dawn, Daniel (Sonja), Biff (Marianne) Toby, and niece Leslee Coleman. She had eight grandchildren; Annie DeWolf (Matthew Hibbs), Matthew (Yuehli), Megan Stearnes (Michael), Tracy DeWolf, Erin Westby (Russ), Kim Martin, Chet Martin, Molly Bull (Mykle) and Danielle. She had three great grandchildren Treyvon Tachie, Autumn Bull, and Maxwell DeWolf-Hibbs.
Viewing hours will begin at noon Monday, August 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. The family will begin receiving friends at 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m., followed by a sharing of memories and stories of Betty at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 21st at the Cathedral of St. Helena with Monsignor Kevin O’Neill presiding. There will be a reception in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral immediately following the Mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in Betty Mae’s name are suggested to the Stacie Ann DeWolf Scholarship Fund at the School of Forestry at the University of Montana, http://supportum.org, or to an organization of charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Betty Mae.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Dick Morgan says
I was so very sorry to hear of Betty Mae’s death this morning. Mother’s are special and it is difficult not have them physically with us any longer. You were all so good to your Mom. I wish you all fond memories and Peace in knowing there is a new Angel looking down on you. Dick Morgan
Sharon Grace says
Dear Toby and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. This is a difficult time, but know that your mom is in Good Hands. Take care. Sharon Grace
Cyndi Guthrie Stenhjem says
Very sorry for your loss! What a wonderful woman she will me missed.
Brad Bomar says
Condolances
Marie Kall says
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Your mom was a great lady.
Shirley Cole says
Betty Mae was a lady I always admired and actually was in awe of her persona. The many carnivals at Kessler School. Her organizational skills at the PTO meetings. She always got things done. Since we both had a passle of children, we had much in common. I remember so many good times we had and I know she was one of the best mothers a child could have. I know you will miss her and your grief will be heavy but she is probably in Heaven conducting a school carnival right now and organizing everyone. God bless your family.
Jody Sandru says
Big hugs to all the DeWolfs as you say goodbye to your beautiful mother! Our deepest sympathy.
Betty Jane Stromberg says
Your beautiful mother will be with you always in precious memories!!! Our thoughts and prayers to all the family!!! B.J. & Walt Stromberg.
Helen Richter says
To the DeWolf family, I was sorry to learn that your mother passed away. I met your mother through her sister-in-law Barbara. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this difficult time. With deepest sympathy Helen Richter
Darlene OLeary says
i knew your mom for many years when i worked at the rialto and when i was county treasurer we had dealings all the time. so sorry for your loss. she was a very strong woman. love to you all
Sue Moore says
Our thoughts are with you at this time. Lots of memories of Betty Mae and gals.
KE Edmisten says
My condolences to the DeWolf Family for the passing of Betty Mae. What a beautiful photo of her and what a beautiful obituary and tribute to Betty Mae’s life and loves. I will always remember when she and Toby visited Dawn on the beautiful Oregon coast and they graciously invited me to dinner ! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire DeWolf Family at this time and it is a blessing to know that Betty Mae is reunited with her dear children Dan and Stacie.
Toni Hibbs says
So sorry about your loss. The obituary is a touching glimpse into the beautiful life she obviously led. I’m sorry that I never got to meet her but I know that her values and morals and priorities in life live on through the lives of her family. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Mary Craigle says
My sympathies to Toby and entire DeWolf family. I am in NY so won’t be able to attend the service but my prayers are with you.
Jim & Maryanne Zimmer says
We are sadden to hear about your mother. May your family take comfort in the resurection hope Jehovah Promises.
Rae Olsen says
My deepest condolences to dear Betty’s family. I was privileged to know her when I lived in Helena. She radiated a warmth and welcome that drew all to her. She loved to visit about her family; her devotion shone in every word. Betty was one of Helena’s treasures and will be missed by all who knew her.
Carolyn O'Baugh says
I have been Betty Mae’s neighbor for 8 years and she was a marvel to me. We had coffee and talked of our children and how blessed and proud we were. She was always upbeat and a good word for everyone. I will miss her terribly but know she’s home now. What a wonderful example of womanhood and an uplifting spirit. Thanks for sharing her with me – Carolyn
Wanda and Mel White says
Toby and Families–We were sad to hear of your Mother’s death. I know how she relied on you and can still see you two at St. John’s in Clancy for holiday Mass. She was so proud of you, Toby–you could just feel it. Mother’s should never be allowed to leave us, but I guess they are also very deserving of their Heavenly reward. Sending prayers to you in this time of sadness. Love each other.
Anita & Mike Varone says
We are so saddened to read about Betty’s passing. She always presented herself with amazing grace and a sense of peace very few possess. Our prayers are with Toby and the rest of his family. She will be missed by the entire community.
Aggie Hunter & Fae Hunter Lamb says
We will miss you. Love to the Family
Carolyn K. Pelletier says
To the DeWolf Family – I was so very sorry and saddened to read about Betty Mae’s passing. She was a wonderful lady who raised a wonderful family. Her garden was not to be out done by anyone. I have so many fond memories of the DeWolf family, lead by Betty Mae. She was always cheerful and giving. She will be missed by so many. I know that you all have so many great and fun memories that will help get you through this difficult time. Please know that she will be missed by many, many people. My very deepest sympathy.
Deb (Dort) Crawford says
Toby – What a great loss for you and your family. Your mom is now in a wonderful place and can breathe in the beautiful air of heaven. My heart and prayers are with you. Love – Dort
Susan Deming says
Dawn and family, My heart goes out to you at the loss of your Mom. There is just something so difficult about losing a parent. I’m thinking of you and praying for you.
Les Bishop says
I have fond memories of Mrs. DeWolf as I grew up in Helena. She raised an outstanding family and truely a great mother. I thoughts and prayers to all she touched. Les Bishop
Ann Kyte Baker says
I meet Betty 20 years ago on the phone through work and always enjoyed visiting with her and trying to coordinate our bosses. Betty was the boss in her work force and took great pride in getting things done right and with joy. I will miss spotting Betty out and about running her errands. Ann Kyte Baker
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Dearest Toby and family – so sorry for the delay in this message. Matt & I want to say how sorry we were to hear of your loss. Betty was a great women and will be remembered for her kindness.
God’s Blessings go out to you and your family.
Matt & Maryk