Helen M. Hodgson, age 90, passed away on October 30, 2012. She was born April 14, 1922 on the family ranch at Spokane Creek, east of Helena, to Ella and John Bryson. The Helena community lost a member of the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers and a former business owner.
She attended the one-room school house at Spokane Creek, and graduated in 1940 from Helena High School. When she talked about her high school years she always mentioned that she had to attend classes in boxcars because the school had been damaged in the 1935 earthquake.
After graduation, Helen worked at Eddy’s Bakery, including during World War II, and then at the Federal Reserve Bank, from which she retired in 1978.
In 1950, Helen married Walter D. Hodgson, who was also a Helena native. Walt worked at Knox Flower Shop. Helen never let Walt forget that when he proposed to her he’d told her the business came first. It was an integral part of their lives. Helen and Walt purchased the business, and built the structure that still houses the business. Helen worked with Walt full time at the flower shop following her retirement from the Federal Reserve Bank until they sold the business in 1987.
Helen and Walt have three daughters, Shirley, Sandy and Karen, who considered Helen the guiding star of their lives.
Helen and Walt loved to fly-fish and fished many of Montana’s rivers and streams. Favorite fishing spots included the Little Blackfoot, the Big Blackfoot and the Madison River, where they spent many family vacations, often planned around the salmon fly hatch. Helen loved to travel. She’d get a glint in her eye and say, “Let’s go!” She and Walt enjoyed many trips to visit family and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walt, five of her siblings, Earl, Gary, Roy and Harry Bryson, and Lillian Myles. She is survived by her sisters, Rose Baum and Hazel Trawick; her daughters and sons-in law, Shirley and Kevin Twillman, Sandy Hodgson and John Chally, and Karen and Mac Swan, and her grandchildren, Isaac and Mariah Swan and Meredith and Michael Twillman.
Helen’s indomitable spirit, laughter, zest for life and loving kindness will be missed and long remembered.
Memorials are suggested to the Flathead Lakers, P.O. Box 70, Polson, MT 59860, or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Monday November 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 5, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday November 5, 2012
Social Center of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 5, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday November 5, 2012
Social Center of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Scott and Ellen Bryson says
What a “light” Helen was! We delighted in spending time with her over the years and we will miss her greatly. The Bryson women were and are true women of Montana. We are sorry for her loss and hope the memories you have will comfort you all.
Bill and Joyce Clausen says
Shirley, Sandy, Karen, and families,
We are so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was an inspiration to all of us. She was a tireless worker who finished one career with the Federal Reserve and then started another with your Dad. We will miss her great smile and optimistic attitude on life.
Paul and Jo Bryson says
Helen was a gentle soul full of love and compasion with a smile that would light up the room. We will miss her dearly.
It is so hard being far away… our hearts and prayers are with you. And as you celebrate her life and share the wonderful memories that will give you strength and comfort you will be in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you.
Love and blessings, Paul and Jo
Nancy Corrigall says
I had the great pleasure of working for Walt and Helen at the flower shop from 1974-77. They were both a joy to know and work with. I know her family misses her greatly but they were fortunate to have such wonderful parents. My love and prayers are with you.
Nancy
Lisa Bertoglio says
I hope you will all have a lime ice in honor of Helen. What a fun and lovely lady. Our thoughts have been with you this past week.
Barb, Eric & John Johnson says
Sending love and hugs from the Johnson family kids – neighbors across the street from Walt and Helen. They were the BEST friends and neighbors, and we were blessed to have them in our lives! I have Helen’s recipe for lemon meringue pie, it’s so yummy! She and our mom, and other neighbors liked to bake goodies and share with each other 🙂 Helen always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile -and laughter that warmed the heart! And one more thing… we both had the best looking manicured front yards on the block *SMILES*