Helen Bartos was born July 28, 1928 in Plock, Poland. She was the first daughter of Czeslawa and Antoni Petrykowski and was named Jadwiga Petrykowski. Because of world events, mom experienced a tragic and tumultuous childhood. At the age of six, her father passed. She and her three siblings were raised by her beloved mother, Czeslawa and grandmother, Kataryna Leonarczyk.
At the age of nine years, Mom saw her life in turmoil. On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. For the next five years Mom experienced and observed the reality and brutality of war.
In February 1941, Nazi troops ordered her mother, grandmother, and three siblings to abandon their house, carry a few possessions and were thrown onto a cattle truck. The family was transported to Soldau, a German Nazi concentration camp in Dzialdowie, Poland, together with other community leaders, Jews and the Catholic Bishop, Archbishop and Priests. Her mother was a chemist and her grandmother was active in public affairs. At Soldau, Mom experienced the ruthlessness of the Nazis.
Later the family was transported from Soldau to Warsaw, Poland’s capital. Fearing for the safety of her children, Mom’s mother separated the children, smuggling two young daughters to the Plock region. Mom remained in Warsaw, separated from her mother, grandmother, and youngest brother. Life was harsh. Under military occupation, schools were closed, organizations disbanded, food was rationed. Mom talked about this experience often.
In August 1944, seeing the potential end of the war, a Polish military and civilian uprising, known as the “Warsaw Uprising,” erupted. The valiant and violent effort to free Warsaw lasted sixty days in an attempt to recapture the capital from the Nazis. History records this event as one of the most tragic of World War II.
As a child, Mom found herself part of the civilian resistance force. For days there was constant bombardment and gunfire. Young children were recruited to help in the resistance. Mom was carrying a Molotov cocktail when an artillery bomb exploded, injuring her. Her hair and face were burned, and shrapnel lodged in her neck. Although badly injured, she survived the ordeal. The uprising failed and nearly 200,000 people were killed in a matter of sixty days. Warsaw was condemned to rubble. Mom’s family was told that she had been killed during the uprising. Mom believed her family met the same fate. Mom would not see Poland again for fifty years.
German forces loaded surviving young people on train cattle cars and Mom was transported to Germany to a forced labor camp. Mom worked at Nehkerkan, a Nazi ammunition factory in late 1944 along with many other young girls. Living conditions consisted of barracks, one meal a day and a blanket. Again persevering, mom managed to survive.
In April 1945, American troops were able to capture the German town and liberated the prisoners. Mom will never forget the American troops who liberated her. Still as a child she found herself without a family, no home, and became a displaced person in war torn Europe. The Soviet communists had occupied Poland and she was not able to return home.
In Landsberg, Germany, Mom was welcomed by an elderly German Catholic Chaplain, Father Karl Morgenshweiss, and his elderly sister, Valley. Ironically Father Morgenshweiss was the sole Catholic Chaplain assigned to minister condemned Nazi’s and was located just outside of the Landsberg Prison. As a twist of fate, families of condemned Nazis pleaded for intervention by the Catholic Priest to save their relatives from execution. Mom was observing and living history of some of the most notorious Nazi leaders. Mom acted as parish assistant attempting to lighten the burden on the elderly priest from condemned Nazi families who did not know Mom was herself a victim of the occupants’ deeds.
It was in Landsberg that Mom met another displaced Pole, Marion Bartos, who had joined the Polish American Army. This meeting resulted in marriage of 53 years. After serving in the military, Dad and Mom were given an opportunity to immigrate to the United States. In May 1951, they arrived in Helena, Montana and their new home, both working at Saint John’s Catholic Hospital. Mom and Dad became naturalized United States Citizens.
Their marriage resulted in the birth of four children, Edward, John, Rick, and Annie. Mom was always proud of all her children and was very active in their education, athletics, music and social activities. She was there at all music recitals, baseball and basketball games, debates, science fairs, fishing, hunting and camping. She loved Montana and her adopted city of Helena. Mom was fluent in three languages and shared her translation abilities with others. She admired and always respected America’s Veterans and the freedoms protected by America.
In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Mom, Dad and their son, Rick, returned to a free Poland. There she traced back to her hometown and found her two sisters and brother survived the war. The unexpected reunion was emotional and celebrated after fifty years of separation.
In 2002, Dad passed away, and Mom continued to be active in family, always a seat at the table for a homeless person or someone without a family at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. She enjoyed all seasons and all her family and gatherings at the Flathead Lake home. Above all, she loved and was loved by her family, both here and in Poland.
Mom is predeceased by her husband Marion; infant son Edward; brother Mieczyslaw Petrykowski. She is survived by her sons, John (Kathleen) of Hamilton, Rick of Helena, and daughter Annie (Ted) Goodwin of Helena; as well as three grandchildren, John (Colleen) of Radford, Virginia, Paul (Carrie) of Kotzebue, Alaska, and her youngest grandchild, John Paul Goodwin of Helena; sisters, Danusia Kalinowski, Miroslawa Witkowska, both in Plock, Poland; great grandchildren, Alice, Benjamin, Cooper, Gray and Grace; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews scattered throughout the world.
The family wishes to thank all the Touchmark staff and caregivers for the remarkable and loving care of our mom. We wish to also acknowledge Dr. Sara O’Connell and staff.
Mom was truly a unique, loving, caring person who found a faith in God, was optimistic, and never would give up. In her later years she struggled with painful medical challenges but remained a remarkable person. Thank you, Mom, we will always love you.
A Vigil Service/Rosary is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A Funeral Mass is set for 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the Cathedral of St. Helena with Rite of Committal to follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will be announced when set. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Helen.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 18, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Wednesday March 18, 2020
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 18, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Wednesday March 18, 2020
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Steve and Linnea says
Rick, Annie and the extended Bartos family
Linnea and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of your mother. What a life that she experienced and persevered.
We were honored to have met her and spend a little time with her while she visited Flathead Lake throughout the years, whether it was at the Bigfork Inn or seeing each other on the road. She was positive in her outlook on life.
We enjoyed knowing her and learning of her life story, one that should be told over and over again for generations to come. May we never forget that horrendous time in world history, but more importantly, may we never forget the tremendous courage exhibited by the likes of your mother to survive the challenges she faced.
We wish we could be in Helena to celebrate your mother’s life, but circumstances preclude us from traveling at this point in time. We will be with you in spirit.
Our love,
Steve & Linnea
Jill says
Annie, We are so sorry for your loss. Know you and your family are in our prayers. God bless you.
Sue Casey says
Dear Annie: Our condolences on the loss of your beloved Mother. What an incredible life she led. Our prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
John and Mary Lamb says
Dear Annie and family,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you, for the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. In reading her obituary, we realized what a remarkable and resilient woman she truly was. We pray that in the coming days, her memories and love will carry you, during this sad time, and you will find much peace. May God bless and keep you
Frank Kromkowski says
Please accept my sincere wishes of sympathy and healing for all the Bartos family at this very sad time.
Thanks be to God for the beautiful life of your Mother and Grandmother. May you feel God’s loving presence in your lives. She goes to Light, Life, Love. Your Mother and Grandmother was a great vessel of love and compassion and see is now living in the loving heart of God.
Mike Hanshew says
Rick – I am sorry to hear your mom has passed away. I know how close you were to her. Condolences to you and your family.
Florence Armagost says
Rick and Annie and families.
Prayers for all of you and may your memories of your mom bring you strength, comfort and peace.
Sincerely Florence Armagost
Kevin Shattuck says
Our deepest condolences to the Bartos family. What a remarkable and fascinating story!
Kevin, Stephanie and Nate Shattuck
Larriann Murphy says
Rick,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. Take care of yourself.
Larriann Murphy
Mary Kay Bennett says
So many times, we would see Rick & your mom out to dinner at Montana City Grill..we loved getting to visit them & catching up with John Paul news.
Oh, how she loved you all..her eyes would light up when we spoke to her & Rick. What a beauty.
We send you our love & prayers from Texas.
George & Mary Kay
Ted and Jan Clack says
Annie,
What an astounding life and life story! Thank you for sharing it with us! We have forwarded it to our sons and others who will appreciate it. Please accept our sympathies.
Daniel Mack says
I waited on the family many times for many years, particularly at the Stonehouse Restaurant, and any of us employed couldn’t help but notice the tremendous care shared among the whole family for each other, most of all Helen. Working in the business for many years, one occasionally crosses paths with another person who possesses a very special light in their eyes and being, and your mom was just such a woman. Often, we accept the presence of that light, never knowing where it might come from. After reading of Helen’s life, now I understand at least a little better. Condolences on the loss of such a tremendous light and what a treasure to preserve such a wonderful legacy and the wisdom found in carrying on with dignity and strength, grace and compassion. It was an honor to have served such a spirit, even had it only been once.
MARY CLAIRE HAFFEY WARFIELD says
To John, Rick, and Annie, My heart breaks for you as your sweet mother passed on! I hope she and my dear Mom, Clara are having a great visit in Heaven! Your mother’s incredible life story deeply impacts all of us! She raised a beautiful family. God Bless you all as you make your way through this wilderness of grief.Your dear Mom is happy in Heaven!!
Arlene Diehl says
Dear Rick,
David and I extend our prayers to you and your family. This is a sad time but a great time to share the story of your parents. We were aware of a few details, but not the extent of her history! What a truly wonderful example of determination and fortitude! We call that GRIT!
May the coming days bring many blessings and stories about your mother. I am glad to have met someone who has overcome all that she did. lt inspires me to know that I can do it too! May Jesus be your comfort and strength now.
Love,
David Diehl
Arlene Diehl
Judy Curtiss says
Annie and family – we sorry for loss. It sounds like she lived an astounding life. Thank you for sharing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Judy and Ron Curtiss
Mary Ann Akers says
My condolences to you and your family. Please accept my prayers and sincere sympathy.
john C doubek says
Annie, Rick and John, your Mother was simply one of the nicest, sincerest and genuine people I have ever known. She always was thinking of the other person, not herself. Much like her husband, frankly. Years ago I even tried hard to keep her on one of my juries, but the other side struck her from the panel. I think he struck her because she kept calling me “Johnnie”. I loved it. What a dear person she always was. I will offer our prayers up for her and all of you. John and Jody Doubek
Shirley Reese says
Rick, Annie and all the family,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your beautiful, remarkable mother. I know you will miss her so much. Hopefully all of your happy memories will help to sustain you at this difficult time.
Lynda Brannon says
Rick
I’m so sorry for your loss. She must have been quite a woman. Be proud of your heritage.
Pam, Joe, Ladana, Cori, Mariah and Deztani Hintz says
Rick, Annie, and John,
We send out condolences in the passing of your mother. She was a very special person and to us she was Mama Bartos. We have many fond memories of the many wonderful times we’ve had with your mother and father and the three of you. I was just sitting here remembering the credit union dinner where we sat together many years ago. Your mother always had a smile on her face. She was always concerned and had tome for everyone she went through so much in her life and was a great example to everyone. In the past years she had many medical issues but she kept up the faith and kept on going no matter what came her way!
May you find comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and that she is now in heaven with your dad. She is now receiving the reward that we’re all still down here on earth working for. Just remember that you guys are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and your mother will he greatly missed by all of us!
The Hintz family Joe, Pam, Ladana, Cori, Mariah and Deztani
Michelle Van Nice says
Annie and family
So very sorry for your loss. Your Mom was such a nice lady. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle (Matyas) Van Nice
Maher James says
To Rick and Annie,
I am saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. I am happy to have known the Bartos family. Helen was a special person. My condolences.
Sincerely, Dr. Jim Maher and family
Kathleen Shattuck says
To all of the Bartos family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. What an amazing life! Helen truly was a survivor and I’m happy I got to meet her. She is reunited with Marion and is with God now. Love, Kath Shattuck
Jack Kaiser says
I always wondered where Rick got his unique smarts and work ethic. Now I know and I wish you well. I still remember Rick working so hard at the UM library when he was in law school. Family can make all the difference in ones life, you were a lucky man to have such a couragous mother. Peace.
Brenda McLellan says
What a gift you have given to the whole community in telling your Mother’s amazing and inspiring story. It is a privilege to have been your neighbor for many years. Blessings and Peace to your family in the loss such amazing love and grace in the person of your Mother and Grandmother.
Mary Williams says
Rick and Annie and family: So sorry for your loss. Your mother was so kind and loving. Anytime I was there she was always the prefect hostess. She always made sure I had something to eat or drink. I think of helen often.
Mary Williams(Home Instead)
Colleen and Alec Hansen says
To the Bartos family, Alec and I delighted in seeing you, Rick, and your mother out celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Silver Star. I remember your family when they first were at the Cathedral. I attended St. Helena’s and then Cathedral. Later, I was delighted to coach you, Rick, on the Helena High School Speech team. Your mother’s story enthralled Alec, my husband, as his first assignments at the Montana Standard newspaper as a reporter were to write obituaries. The editor knew that every word was important. Your mother’s story is one to be shared universally. Alec read it and said it was probably the best remembrance of Helen’s life anyone could write. Your parents raised a wonderful family and there is no greater memorial than that. Take gentle care.
Shirley Herrin says
Rick and Annie,
I was searching for a friend’s obituary and found your Mother’s – so sorry. She was such a sweet kindly beautiful lady, I remember spending time with her at your home while we were involved in some group or another. I feel sad that our lives have not crossed for so long. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious Mother.
In Jesus’ Love,
Shirley Herrin
Fred Seybert says
Rick and Annie.
I just heard of your Mom’s passing.
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
I’ll be getting to Montana soon, and will try to look you folks up.
Highest Regards,
Fred and Jan Seybert