Donna Jean (Hallberg) Purcell, age 57, of Helena passed away October 19, 2016 after a sudden illness at St. Peter’s Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Donna was born June 27, 1959 in Helena, MT to Pete and Louise Hallberg. She married Gary Miner after high school in 1978. They had one son but later divorced. She then married Timothy Purcell on June 17, 1989 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. She was widowed in 1999.
Donna worked numerous odd jobs from janitorial work to bartending before going to school to pursue a career in nursing, becoming an LPN. Donna had a knack for caring for others coining the nickname “Nancy Nurse” from her family. Donna’s true passion was in home health care, where she had recently returned prior to her death.
Donna enjoyed life and the outdoors, camping and fishing with family and friends. Her most recent love was river rafting, taking her maiden voyage down the Smith River last May with the “Smith River Rats.”
Donna loved her family and ALL of her grandkids. Her home was often a hub for many impromptu family dinners and get togethers. She also had a big heart for animals, especially rescue or second chance pound puppies.
Donna is survived by her son Michael (Rori) Miner of Conrad, MT. Sisters Mary Ann Thiel Philipsburg, MT, Francis (Steve Duffey) Hallberg, Kathy Hallberg and Patty Cartin (Paul Cartin) all of Helena, MT and brother Jon Hallberg, Deer Lodge, MT. Sisters-in-law Ann Marie (Mark Hoy) Purcell, Janice (Chuck) Spencer and brother-in-law Emmett Purcell all of Helena, MT. Grandchildren Sienna Miner, Conrad MT; Abbi Keech and Aspen, Anna, Archer and Dale Thiel all of Helena, MT. Special nieces and nephews include Lacey (Bobby) Keech, Jason Cartin, Amy Thiel and Ashleigh Heimbach of Helena as well as many other nieces, nephews and special caring friends Connie Poland and family, Treise Schaffer and Donna Zatorowski. She was preceded in death by her husband Timothy Purcell, parents Pete and Louise Hallberg, nephew Scott Thiel and brothers-in-law Patrick and Dennis Purcell of Helena, MT.
Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A memorial service in Donna’s honor will be held Friday October 28, 2016 at 2 pm with coffee and cookies to follow. The family would like to send out a special thank you for the care and support from Dr. Weiner and the oncology staff at St. Peter’s Hospital. Family prefers memorials go to the St Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center 2475 E Broadway St Helena, MT. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Donna.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 28, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
After the service
Friday October 28, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 28, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
After the service
Friday October 28, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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B J says
I will miss her. I remember when she would come over to visit me when she was young.
Sandy Jacke and family says
Donna is a caring and sweet soul. She did indeed find her true calling taking care of others. Having had the pleasure of watching her first hand I saw only love and respect, taking care to keep each comfortable and meeting needs for those who couldn’t speak. She was an angel to Casey, Eric and Mikey. There long lives benefited from her touch. As well as being a good friend for my sister, Connie. Rest in peace, Donna. You deserve this!
Donna Ballard says
I will miss you Donna. We had so much good times together all of us hunting and fishing and camping but one memory that really comes the thought was when we were hunting and we had two vehicles while the guys are messing with their stuff you and I went on an adventure and found this hill and just went flat on our backs it’s such a good memory it stays with me always I love you and I will miss you