Helen Lenore Jorgensen, known as Lenore, spent most of her adult life in the Flathead Valley. She was born on September 14, 1928 in Logan, Utah and was the oldest of three children to Dr. Alton S. and Ora Packer Hansen.
While living in La Junta, Colorado as a young child, Lenore’s mother became ill with a strep infection. At that time, antibiotics were not available and Ora unfortunately died at age 35 leaving behind her husband and three young children. Her father was a family physician and was called to serve as a doctor in the army at the beginning of World War II. Lenore ended up living with several different relatives until she graduated from High School in Rexburg, Idaho where she placed first in the High School State Debate Competition.
Lenore attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah where her loving maternal grandmother lived. Grandma Packer was Lenore’s rock and had a great influence on her. Lenore loved college life and was happy to be reunited with her sister Beverly in Logan, Utah.
In 1956 Lenore and her family moved the Flathead Valley and she raised her two children, Cal and Nancy, in Kalispell. She made life long friends in her neighborhood as a stay-at-home mom. Lenore loved the outdoors and especially skiing. She instilled that love in her children spending every winter weekend at Big Mountain in Whitefish.
In 1964, after attending night classes, she started working at the Conrad National Bank (now First Interstate) in Kalispell. She began as a secretary and by the late 60’s she had earned a position as the first female loan officer. She continued working at First Interstate Bank until her retirement in 1990.
Lenore is preceded in death by her husband Gene Hedman, with whom she shared a profound love and deep commitment for more than 35 years. After living in Whitefish and Arizona, Lenore and Gene spent their last few years in Helena.
Lenore is also preceded in death by her parents, her brother John Hansen of Madison, Wisconsin, her step- children Debbie Hedman, and Doug Hedman.
She is survived by her children Cal Jorgensen and Nancy (John) Emmert, step-daughter Gina (Austin) Merrill, step-son Dale (Annette) Hedman, several grandchildren and great-grand-children.
No services are planned at this time.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Dianne Grove says
I met Lenore when I went to work at the Conrad Bank in 1971 and maintained that special friendship until she moved to Helena. We especially loved having her in our book club. She and Gene enjoyed so many trips down south in the winter and loved camping, even taking Gene’s sister Carol. She adored her kids Nancy and Cal. And the grandkids and great grandchildren were always her pride and joy. They didn’t miss many football games at Carroll College when those grandsons were the quarterbacks! She was a special friend and Nancy was an angel taking care of all her as well as so many other family members.
Linda Harris says
Our sincere condolences to your family — what a loss! We first met Lenore at the bank back in the ’80’s. Then she and Gene bought the house we had been renting in River Bluffs. Next she was a beloved member of our book club. What fond memories we have of her! She was always so smart, upbeat and energetic. We have been missing her since they moved to Helena but we’re glad she spent her last years with her beloved family. Lenore was a special lady. May she rest in peace.
Janet Thompson Lund says
Deepest sympathy Cal, Nancy and families. Sweet memories of our mothers “visiting” in that neighborhood. Seeing her a few years ago at a family service was wonderful! A well-lived, happy life for a beautiful lady in every way. Rest in peace dear Lenore.
Patty Markuson says
Lenore was a special friend. Grateful that she had precious time with family in Helena theses past few years.
Wishing her family much peace.
Dave and Linda Coombs says
Nancy and John
Our hearts hurt for you both. Losing your parents in such a short amount of time from each other has been very difficult for you and your family. Take some comfort in knowing they will always be with you and watching over you.
We are thinking of you and holding you all in our hearts right now, a time of healing.
Dave and Linda
JOHN T HENLEY says
Calvin and Nancy
Just learnt about the lost of your mother. What an amazing life. I think about you every now and then. Take care and enjoy life!
John Henley