Heather Nichol Kopczuk
On the morning of May 20, 2025, Heather passed away after an 18-month battle with cancer. She was 48 years old.
Heather was born in Crystal City, Missouri on December 17, 1976. She was the fourth of six children, and the first of two daughters to Frank and Janet Bodlovic. Heather grew up in Potomac, MT, after her family moved there from Missouri when she was three years old. Her childhood days were spent playing in the woods with her siblings, looking for wildflowers, and swimming in the Blackfoot river. As she grew older, Heather loved singing in her high school’s choir and visiting her grandparents back home in Missouri. Later she attended the University of Montana. By chance, or perhaps providence, she met Adam when the two were assigned seats next to each other on an airplane the summer after her freshman year of college. Adam was, of course, the last passenger to board the flight. Despite running in at the last possible moment, he offered her his window seat ticket, and their relationship was born. They graduated from UM in 1999 and were married in 2000.
The Kopczuk family moved to Helena in 2003 and became part of the Cathedral parish, unaware at that time how much the community would truly become their home in the years ahead. Heather discovered her love for homeschooling not long after. She always said the pride and purpose of her life was raising, educating, and shaping the character of her four children. Heather’s vocation was being a wife and mother. Her time was spent homeschooling the children for most (or all) of their upbringing, driving them to and from their extracurricular activities, and being the backbone of the home. She was hardly known for doing anything that did not involve her family or her faith in some capacity, though she found time to decompress at the gym or on the trails. Never one to rest on laurels, Heather would talk often of finding ways to continue her vocation to serve her family while sharing the Gospel by example and by word to everyone she encountered.
Heather is survived by her loving husband, Adam, and their four children, Isaiah, Elaina, Lukas, and Scarlett. Elaina and her husband, Sam, are parents to Heather’s beloved granddaughter, Marilyn, who loved picking little flower bouquets with her “Gammy.” Heather fought hard to be here for the arrival of her second granddaughter, Audra Nichol, who will be born any day. Audra Nichol is named after her Gammy, who assuredly is praying for her from Heaven.
The Kopczuk family would like to extend a sincere thank-you to the many wonderful families, friends, members of the Helena community, people across the country, and those around the world who poured out their prayers, love, and support for Heather during her journey. We especially thank the staff of St. Peter’s Health for their kindness, love, dedication, and professionalism while she was in their care. You are all such a blessing.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Vigil to take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Kenneth Bollwerk says
Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord Heather and God Bless your family and friends
My sincere sympathies
Christi Halls Robinson says
Devastated to hear of Heather’s health battle and passing. She was such an awesome friend to me in high school, college, and beyond. I’ll forever cherish the many memories that we made together. She had a gorgeous smile and an infectious laugh that I will never forget. I always admired how much she loved her children and being a mom.
Wishing you all peace and comfort in this difficult time. I’m so very sorry for your deep loss.
Dear Heather,
Rest in peace, old friend. Thank you for everything. As Tom Petty said, “You belong among the wild flowers…Far away from your trouble and worries. You belong somewhere you feel free.”
With love,
Christi (Richard)
Sara Visser Murgel says
So sorry to hear of this terrible loss. Sending lots of love and prayers
Sherry Connolly says
Dear Frank and Janet, Please know that my tears are added to yours. I know this kind of grief. Our God will have her now, and one day in the future you will smile again. Sherry Connolly from St. Ann’s
Larry Sheldon says
Heather had a zeal for life and truly showed what it means to have a servant’s heart. I have known her for over 20 years, and she always put the needs of her family and others – before she addressed any of her own concerns or needs. What an incredible example that I will try to model with the time I have left on earth. 🙂
Dave Buck says
So sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Lindsey Stromberg says
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Praying for the entire family during this most difficult time.
With love and prayers,
Tyler & Lindsey Stromberg
Rebecca Rohrer says
So sorry for your loss. Heather was an incredible human! Thinking of you sending love and prayer prayers
Kendra Ostberg says
She was always such an amazing and kind lady. When I met her she was so kind and her voice was so soft when she talked to me. I met her through my dad. The first time I met her she just let me talk and get warmed up to her. I send my prayers to your family through this tough time and hope you get through this together.
Bart Hamilton says
So sorry for your loss Adam and family. Although I never met Heather, I can tell she was an amazing lady, just the memories that have been shared and the lives that she touched. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Carol Bridge says
God Bless you Heather forever and always. It was my privilege and honor to be of service to She and Adam during her cancer journey. What a jewel of a woman. Adam was a jewel as well. What a beautiful couple. May the family cherish all the memories you have, know she is always with you in your heart. God Bless you.
Alex Ostberg says
Adam has always been like a brother to me. Seeing Marilyn and Elaina and Sam at chuch all the time always brings a smile to our faces because Marilyn always waves at us all the way through mass whether they are one pew or several pews ahead of us. Going through Journey with Adam and Isaiah a year and a half ago was extra special as well. I think one of the funnest memories I have that our families shared together was how our family would sneak plates of homemade cookies and candies to their whole family at certain holidays every year and how Adam would tell me later that he and the kids had to gobble them up before Heather found them. Our Thoughts and Prayers and Love are being sent your direction and know that we are here if you ever need anything. One of the Quotes from Heather’s website comes to mind for me. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17
Kevin and Anne Bartsch Family says
Sharing the back fence of our properties as neighbors, you could virtually feel the palpable sense of Heather’s deep commitment and love for family. It wouldn’t matter if it was playing on the swings, gardening or just working around the property, it was obvious the overall sense of “family” that was modeled by Heather and Adam. What a great group! May God’s Grace and Peace surround you all during this difficult time.
Dirk Nelson says
God be with you, Kopczuk family. I could not attend Heather’s funeral because my Dad was dying in Missoula St Patricks Hospital at the time. He too has passed on from this life after 90 years, yet it still seems too brief. Life is over so quickly. The good thing about a slow death is that it gave my Dad time to embrace Jesus and accept his grace. So too, Heather is a shining example for us all to follow. Thank you for sharing her inspiring life story. Christ is with you!