Donna Lee (Elder) Hale was born on May 31st, 1945 in Whitefish, Montana. The oldest of 3 sisters, she grew up picking huckleberries in the mountains with her Grandma and Grandpa Hedrick, swimming summers away in Whitefish Lake, and reading her way through the public library. She managed to escape a rather harrowing childhood, seeking solace and a steely resolve in books and the wilds of NW Montana. She held lots of childhood jobs, delivering the weekly Pilot newspaper, baking pies at a local bakery, lifeguarding at City Beach on Whitefish Lake, skiing and waitressing at Big Mountain. She earned National Merit finalist honors upon graduating from Whitefish High in 1963, and left quickly to Missoula to begin further schooling.
She went on to attend the University of Montana, became a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, and graduated with a psychology degree in 1967. She moved to Riverside, California and began teaching special education and kindergarten. It was actually there at a mutual apartment complex party she heard a smart-looking fellow mention “I’ve been out herding sheep in Montana!” That was in 1969, the fellow was my father, also a UM alumnus from another small Montana town. He was stationed at March Airforce Base at the time, and they quickly fell in love. Donna and Ed eloped in Las Vegas (seemingly a Hale family tradition) in 1970, and bounced from California to upstate New York, to Fort Worth, Texas, and back to Plattsburgh, New York over the ensuing 16 years – all as Dad flew bombers and fighter bombers for the Air Force.
Donna, with her interests stretching far beyond the military base, went on to obtain 2 Masters degrees, one in Marriage and Family Counseling, the other in Social Work, at SUNY Plattsburgh and the University of Texas Arlington. She founded numerous programs from the ground up in both New York and Texas – always in the mental health field and mostly regarding children and adolescent growth and development. She became highly regarded for her innovative program design in school districts and local and state governments.
We moved to Montana in 1986, and Donna started the Southwest Montana Mental Health Center Adolescent day treatment center for youth in the Immaculata Hall on Ewing Street. She went into private practice psychotherapy around 1988 in the Arcade Building, and then in 1991 founded South Hills Psychotherapy on Saddle Drive. Most of her life work was here in private practice, serving adults, children and families psychotherapy needs.
She also devoted countless hours as a volunteer to the State of Montana Medicaid Oversight Committee, dedicating herself to representing her profession and patients. She wrote numerous parenting evaluations, participated in family law mediation, supervised post-graduate clinicians toward licensure, and served on the Board of Directors for AMHA. She was heavily involved in the Children’s First Program for the First Judicial Courts in Helena, helping to minimize impact of divorce on children. She also worked as a director of Aspen Youth Alternatives, consulting and supervising staff. In 1998 she was named Social Worker of the year for the state of Montana.
Donna had aspirations of going to medical school early on in college and instead chose the mental health profession. She was so proud of both of her kids for stepping into the path she had once envisioned for herself, and helped to guide both of us through medical school and surgical residencies. She sadly retired earlier than she had hoped in 2011 because of her own complex medical issues.
Mom was an incredible listener and powerful observer of all that went on around her. The woman just never seemed to tire of helping people, whether it was a client calling her at 3 am in crisis or her kids needing a good chat and drive in the woods. Mo She managed to escape a rather harrowing childhood, seeking solace and a steely resolve in books and the wilds of NW Montana m instilled in my brother and I resilience, determination, and a sense of wonder for all that surrounded us. She was fiercely protective of both her children and grandchildren, and wrapped us up in her great love easily and often. She was the steady and loving companion of my father for 47 years. She was a tireless, formidable advocate for child and family mental health for so many years. I feel blessed by how many patients I get to see now who knew my mom and remark on the difference she helped create for them. She dedicated her life to helping people ease their emotional anguish and live the lives they wanted.
Mom passed away early on the afternoon of February 20th, surrounded by her husband, children, and beloved dog MacGyver. She died peacefully – and we watched the enormous weight she had fought for so many years with her confounding medical problems mercifully lift. Her extraordinary suffering from the slow decline of her ability to move is finally gone. Our tremendous hope is that somewhere, somehow, she is once again swishing down the slopes of Whitefish Mountain and diving in the waters of Whitefish Lake, basking in the sun on the dock at City Beach and enjoying the beautiful sunsets of Montana.
She is survived by her husband Ed, children Riley and Kerry, daughter-in-law Kristin, son-in-law Mark, her 4 beloved grandchildren Riley, Lawson, Elias and Leighton, and her 2 sisters Mary and Cathy. She is acutely missed by her family. Her sage advice, active ear, serenely warm smile, and enormous fighting spirit will be on our minds and in our hearts for the rest of our days.
In lieu of flowers Donna would have preferred donations to NAMI Montana or Habitat for Humanity. We would love and appreciate any comments about her to be posted on Facebook. Once on Facebook, search for the “Donna Lee Hale Memorial” page.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday April 14, 2018
Benny's Bistro
108 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday April 14, 2018
Benny's Bistro
108 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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bryan says
May the God of tender mercies provide the needed comfort for Donna’s friends and family during this difficult time.
2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Colleen Murphy says
Donna was a powerhouse of a social worker. She cared deeply about her profession, and demonstrated this through service on many boards and committees and she served her clients with immense skill and compassion. I am deeply saddened by her passing. Blessings to her family.
John Ilgenfritz says
I just learned of Donna’s passing. I had not seen Donna in 40 years, but remember her from when she worked at the Family Teaching Center back in the late 70s. As Colleen mentioned, she cared deeply about her clients and was a source of much support when we cared for a foster daughter for a summer. We had no experience with parenting a teenager and the Family Teaching Center, as represented by Donna, was of great help. She was compassionate, knowledgeable, patient and instilled in us reasonable expectations. Condolences to Donna’s family and friends.
Peggy and David fine says
Coach and I are so sorry for your loss Kerri. Your mom was a wonderful woman. God bless.
Peggy and David fine says
Coach and I are so sorry for your loss Kerri. Your mom was a wonderful woman. God bless. Peggy and coach Fine
Kristi Gersch says
I worked for Donna in the early 90s. She was a wonderful person and an awesome counselor. She will be missed. Kristi Gersch
Myra Thomas says
Donna helped my son and I during a very difficult time in our life. She was a wonderful caring counselor who went the extra mile time and time again to help people. The world was a better place because of her.
Jim Benish says
Donna was a wonderful therapist with a keen sense of human behavior. She was highly respected by her peers, and her practice was a valuable resource for the Helena Community. She made a difference! I am so sorry for your loss!
Gail Zimmer says
Kerry, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Your mom was a wonderful and caring person.
Judy pettinato says
Dear Donna’s family,
Donna and I were friends for years from about 6 years old. I lived her. We connected in college and the last time was last summer. I will miss her.
My sympathies,
Judy Stephens Pettinato
Judy pettinato says
Sorry I am bad at texting.
I loved your mom.
Judy
Norman Smith says
Ed,
My most sincere condolences on the death of your beloved wife.
Norm Smith
Marilyn Wine-Olson says
Donna was one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. Her care and love for my family was like no other. Regardless if she was counseling or being a friend her words meant more to me than she will ever know. Always honest, but never hurtful, few people have that trait. I will be forever grateful, as will my family, to have had Donna in our lives. We are so sorry for your loss, our hearts go out to you. Sending hope, peace and love, Marilyn Wine-Olson
Charlie McCarthy says
Every referral made to Donna was made with the knowledge that the individual was going to be seen by the best the social work profession has to offer. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Staci Gleich says
Donna was a blessing to me many years ago. I will always cherish her tools of life she shared with me . RIP
Dorothy McCarter says
To Kerry and Riley, I loved your mom. She was a wonderful lady and a special friend. professionally, she provided me with insight and inspiration. As a friend she gifted me with hours of schmoozing, and lunches at my house and the Dive restaurant. The Helena community lost a powerful advocate for children and the mentally ill, as we’ll as a great lady. My very deepest sympathy to you and yours.
Will and Rose Harmon says
Donna made the world a better place, one person at a time and across our whole community. She had a tremendous gift for helping and gently inspiring people. We’re grateful for her wisdom, guidance, and compassion. Her legacy lives on, not least through her children.
Chris Corsi says
That was a lovely memorial to your mother. I wish I had known her in those days on Big Mountain or Whitefish Lake.
Reading about that makes me even sadder for all of the weight of her medical struggles these last several years. I am grateful to have known her, and I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Runkel says
Donna was a wise woman and was always eager to educate professionals about children’s mental health issues. She always said yes to a challenge if a child was involved. Countless children and families benefitted from her professional caring. Her smiling eyes were thoughtful and beautiful. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Marci Lynn says
Dear Ed and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Even though I didn’t know her personally, I knew of her outstanding reputation as an advocate for children and families. There is no greater calling than working to strengthen the family unit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Aubrey Mason says
Ed and family,
My sincere condolences at your loss. These are truly the times that try men’s and women’s souls.
Jack Laffoon says
I really enjoyed coaching your daughter Kerrie. She was a very nice child and I am sure she grew into a wonderful adult. You and Ed did well. Thank you for you contributions to man kind. I am sure it will be carried on by your children. That is all we can ask of life, you did your job well. Hear Hear!
Jim and Connie Erickson says
Donna brought our son Josh into our lives. I still remember her dropping him off for a week-end stay to see if we were a good fit for him. Over the years Donna helped us immensely as Josh struggled through adolescence. She was our rock; someone we could always count on for counseling and advice. Thank you, Donna. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
tom cherry says
Donna found a way to wade through all sides of an issue. Our state is the better for it.
Tiffany says
She saved my life when no one else could or would. I was thinking of her today and am so saddened by her passing and having never had the chance to tell her thank you. I was only a child when she found me and now looking into the faces of my children, I know I owe her my life, and maybe someday we will meet again somewhere and I can tell her.