Elizabeth “Betsey” McNamara War of Helena passed away September 4, 2019 following years of suffering with Alzhimers. Betsey was being comforted by her husband, family and friends for 3 years at Touchmark in Helena. As she passed, she was surrounded by her Husband and her Sister. She was 75 years old.
Betsey was born to Jack and Mary McNamara in Billings, Montana on June 21, 1944. She was raised in Helena and attended Cathedral High School; she was proud to be a “greenie”. She attended Gonzaga University and Carroll College and graduated in 1966 as a registered nurse. Betsey married her high school sweetheart, Bill War a Carroll College-MSU Chemical Engineering graduate. They began an exciting life together, with Bill working in the Chemical and Oil and Gas Industries, and the two of them with their growing family moving from place to place over the years. From Helena it was Bozeman for graduate school, from there to Concord, California; Midland, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Cody, Wyoming; Billings, Montana; back to Denver; back to Billings; a time in New Orleans; on to Seal Beach, California; back to Billings, then to Denver and finally back home to Helena. Through all the moves, Betsey picked up her life without complaint and moved forward to make more friends and become involved in a new community.
Betsey truly enjoyed shopping for her children and grandchildren. They were the light of her life. When the children were young, she was mostly a stay at home mom. She loved dressing up and going out. She had a very full social life during our working years. Nothing made her happier than heading to Nordstorms for a shopping spree.
While in Denver and Billings, Betsey truly enjoyed her prayer groups. During her time in Denver, she made a pilgrimage to Magigoria which made a major impact on her. She made many good friends all over the country, and during her Denver years authored a prayer book called “Pray Pray Pray” which was published and is now spread all over the world, including in the Vatican. She nursed for Dr. Hatch, an optometrist in Billings, and obtained her Relator’s license there as well. She saw challenges as opportunities.
While in Helena, Betsey was on the board of the Helena Symphony, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a member of the St Helena’s Parish Council.
Some of Betsey’s most enjoyable times were spent with her family, traveling with friends, or at our cabin on Canyon Ferry Reservoir. She also traveled with her husband on several European and South America trips as well as enjoying the relaxation of several Mexican resorts.
Betsey was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Mary McNamara and nephew Jonas Chisholm.
Betsey is survived by her husband of 54 years, William War, her children: daughter Kari Vondra of Livingston with her husband, Charles and their children Cole and Kodi Vondra; daughter Deb Bolken of Cody, Wyoming with her husband Chad and children James, John and Lauren; and son Tom of Boise, Idaho with his wife Amy and children Sophie, Natalie and Alexandra. She is also survived by her sister Sue Chisholm and husband Curt, her niece Traci Swingley an nephew Josh Chisholm of Helena and her Cousins John, Lia and Leta Cooney, and her Uncle, Frank and Mary Ellen Cooney.
Betsey’s family extend their utmost thanks to the angles at Touchmark’s Memory Care Unit and the administration there who supported us during these years. Also, special thanks to the Hospice RN’s, Social Workers and volunteers who buoyed us up in her final days.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St., with a reception to follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider supporting The Alzheimer’s Association (225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601) who are working toward a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, in Memory of Betsey.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Betsey.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Wayne O'Brien says
Bill and Family,
My deepest condolences for the loss. Betsey was and will be considered “one of a kind” forever.
Jason Egeline says
My sincere condolences to Bill and their family. Though I did not get an opportunity to meet or know Betsy – I have had the privilege of knowing Bill and I can say it’s an honor – I can only imagine the great character that Betsy was!
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Bill and family,
Tom and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you all at this difficult time. Please know we’re praying for you all. We care!
Tom and Judy Rolfe 🌾
Tom & Lisa Cordingley says
So sorry Bill. Those were tough times.
Carol stahly says
Sorry to hear the news…our thoughts are with you, Bill; we wish we were able to attend the service. However. we must be out of the State at that time.
Carol and Dave Stahly
Niel Helfert says
Bill and family. Ginny and I are sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Your friend Niel
Wilma Tabaracci says
Oh, I am so sad to hear this. I just LOVED Betsey. Her inquisitive eyes are something I won’t soon forget. I KNEW Betsey only from 5puchmark, but she will hold a special place in my heart. Sending you all ❤️ love.
buzz helfert says
Bill and family- I am so sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of Betsey- she wa a grand lady. May she rest in peace. Buzz and Doreen Helfert
Tim Roberts says
Bill and Family,
We are on the one hand saddened by the passing of Betsy and on the other hand the relief from her struggles.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tim & Shirley Roberts
Frank & Janice Zimmerman
Gary and Norma Jean Walker says
Bill and Family, our sincerest condolences in your loss of Betsy. May God comfort you in this difficult time.
Wilma Tabaracci says
Oh, I am so sad to hear this. I just LOVED Betsey. Her inquisitive eyes are something I won’t soon forget. I KNEW Betsey only from Touchmark, but she will hold a special place in my heart. Sending you all ❤️ love.
Jim and Sally says
Bill and family
Sue and family
We were sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing but understand she is now in a better place with a lot of her loved ones. 😇
It’s just so sad to say good bye to someone so very close to you. 😢😢 All will be in our thoughts and prayers, now, and the days ahead.
God Bless. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
All our love ❤️
Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and the family 🙏
Melissa Beitel says
Vondra Family of Livingston,
I will never forget the hours of time spent cheering on our kids with Betsy and Bill and you all. No matter what the event, Betsy was there smiling and supporting. She was a classy lady who always impressed me. May God comfort you as you mourn this loss.
Melissa Beitel, St. Mary’s School and Parish
Randy and Marcia Kaminsky says
Bill and Family,
It’s never easy saying goodbye, no matter the circumstances and how much we prepare; our heartfelt condolences to you and the whole family. We will always remember Betsey’s infectious smile, twinkling eyes and her love of our Lord, through Mary. We hope you take comfort that Betsey is now with Jesus and Mary whom she loved so much and was so effective in sharing that love with so many. May eternal light shine upon her and May she Rest In Peace.
Our love and prayerful support for you all,
Randy and Marcia
William Evans says
We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill & Marilyn Evans
Don Meek says
Don & Mary Meek says
It is always sad to see the passing of a great lady. Betsey obviously was one. We are truly sorry for your loss Bill and wish you the very best going forward.
Janet and Ed Olson says
We will always cherish the years we were neighbors and friends. Bill, you and your family, and Sue, are all in our prayers. We hope you will find comfort knowing Bets is finally free of the terrible disease that took her.
Laurie Nafus Farmer says
Bill, Kari, Deb, and Tom I was so sad to hear this news. Although it has been a number of year since I had seen Betsey, I knew that smile immediately. I have fond memories of the times we spent together in Denver while my Dad and Bill worked at Husky. My deepest condolences to all of you, may you cherish your memories keeping her close to you always.
Robert Snyder says
Bill, Kari, Deb, and Tom, We are so sad to hear that our bud Betsey has died. She had such a tremendous impact on our lives. We are sorry for your grief and your loss, but she is waiting for you. Her mission was to get to heaven and bring as many people with her as she could. She’s with Mary now and her folks. Your lives will take on a different verse now, but she will always be there.
You are in our prayers.
Love, Rob and Patti
Janet and Dennis Sheehy says
Bill, Sorry for your loss. Betsey was a beautiful, classy lady and will be missed. Best wishes to you and yours.
Joe Hrella says
Bill and family so sorry for the loss of a great woman
Joe Hrella says
Bill and family so sorry for the loss of such a great woman our thoughts and prayers are with you
Fritz and Sylvia says
Bill,
Sylvia and I are so saddened to learn of the loss of Betsey to you and your family. Our prayers are with you all. Please stop in and see us when visiting Deb in Cody. Fritz and Sylvia
Theresa Ortega says
Bill and family,
I am so saddened to have lost my friend Betsy. Together we regularly met at the Silver Star restaurant for a chopped salad with ice tea and an “extra glass of ice”, both of us. We laughed, talk about our families, where we had traveled and family plans. On a trip to Europe with Carroll College we laughed so hard our eyes would water and stomachs hurt.
I’ll miss my friend but we had such fun times that will last forever.
Blessings,
Theresa
Joan Schreiber says
Bill, We are so sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you and the family in our prayers. You have our heartfelt sympathies. Paul and Joan Schreiber
Dan and Konnie Haman says
Bill,
We were shocked and saddened to see Betsey’s obituary in the Cody Enterprise. She was such a great wife and mother and the two of you shared a lifetime of fun and adventure. Please know we are thinking of you and the kids, and you are all in our prayers at this difficult time. Take care. Dan and Konnie Haman
Jerry Berberet says
My deep condolences to Bill and family on Betsy’s passing. Carroll College and the Helena community could not gave had a better friend. She will rest in peace with the Angel’s and saints.
Sheila snd Gene Rockman says
Sheila Rockman. bill and family. I just today learned of Betsy’s
Passing. So very sad. We looked forward to ur yearly Xmas card to keep up with ur family. We had lots of good times while u lived in Billings. So sorry for ur loss of a great lady😢🙏
Sherrie Conway says
I was Betey’s hairstylist when she lived in Denver.
She was always one of my favorites as we had great conversations about family, life and the world around us.
I would hear from her once in awhile after she moved back to Montana.
One of the incredible memories I am left with is Betsey picked up her daughter and NEW grand baby from the hospital and sat in the car taking care of the newborn while I gave her daughter a haircut!!!!!!
What a great lady…….
Condolences to all-she was the BEST.💕