Characteristic of the pioneer spirit that is embedded deeply in her blood, beloved mother and grandmother, Helen Ryan McCarthy, decided it was time to make the journey home. She crossed over from this life to the next peacefully and surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday August 1, 2012. She was born into the homesteading Ryan family of the Boulder Valley on March 15, 1920 and was the daughter of Francis Henry and Jane (Murphy) Ryan. She was raised on the Ryan Ranch with two brothers, Edward Francis and John (Jack) Eugene and three sisters, Mary Jane (Jane Tintinger), Marian Adele (Davey), and Elizabeth Ann (Betty McGuire) all of whom have preceded her in death.
John (Jack) Joseph McCarthy of Butte was the lucky man to capture her heart and they were married in Boulder on September 11, 1954. They lived in Butte, Lewistown and Anaconda before settling in Helena in 1964. Jack preceded her in death in 1987. She is survived by their three children: Deacon Bernard (Bernie) married to Helen (Waldbillig) of Whitehall and two daughters, Juliann (Dave Block) of Woodland, WA and Patricia (Patti) married to Don Drake also of Whitehall; five grandchildren: Scott Drake, Kathleen Drake, Michael Drake, Sean McCarthy and Patrick McCarthy; sister-in-law Harriet (Jack) Ryan of Phillipsburg, and numerous deeply loved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews. Helen retired in 1984 after working for the State of Montana Worker’s Compensation Division. She volunteered many hours of service to her parish at the Cathedral of St. Helena.
Her death marks the final chapter of a generation of the Ryan family, descendants of pioneers, Edward and Ellen (Lacey) Ryan. The legacy will live on in the abundant generations that have and will follow.
She is known for her loving and compassionate heart, her open, forgiving and non-judging soul and most of all for the love of family, friends, and a bit of fun. No one can match the mischievous Irish twinkle in her eye that we will carry with us in our memories forever. She taught us through her actions the love of God, the power of faith, and the gift of personal integrity and strength. Today she is at home in heaven where all saints belong.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 6, 2012 with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home; 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. August 7, 2012 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. A reception will be held in the Brondel Center at the Cathedral immediately following the interment. In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Helena Food Share, PO Box 943, Helena, Montana 59624, the Good Samaritan, PO Box 5177 Helena, MT 59604, or God’s Love Shelter, 533 North Main Street Helena, MT 59601 Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Helen.
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Amber Sine Shah and Family says
What a blessing to have Aunt Helen in my life! Many memories come to mind– from sliding down her staircase as a child to her wonderful toast at my wedding. I’m so thankful for wonderful Great Aunt. We will miss you.
Anne Seliskar says
What a gift we were all given that Helena was chosen to be the last of the “First Cousins”. And what a large hole there will always be in our lives. She will always be remembered as such a classy lady with a great wit. Love and Prayers, Anne and family
Diane Pedersen says
Bernie and family:
I was sorry to learn that your Mom passed away. I worked with your Mom at Montana State Fund when I first started with them in 1972. We lived behind your parents for many years before moving off 8th Ave.
Your Mom was a great person and she will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy
Diane and Jeff Pedersen
Elva Rivera says
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Elva
Erin & Robert Martin & Family says
Great Aunt Helen was a wonderful woman with genuine love and kindness to all who crossed her path. What a blessing for those of us whose lives she touched. We will miss you greatly, Aunt Helen!
Florence McGowan Jerome says
Helen was my God-mother. We grew up in the Boulder Valley and her Ryan family was neighbors of mine. She died the day before my birthday! She was a sweet lady.
Gino Dunfee says
Bernie: My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Jim & Carol Jacobsen says
Our payers are with all the McCarthy family. Helena was truly remarkable lady. I do not believe I ever heard her utter an unkind word. She was a true and loyal friend to all her “9th ave” neighbors, but most especially to Millie B. Her loving ways,kindness and the twinkle in her eye will be forever missed. We loved you, Helen.
Jim Magee says
Helen was a wonderful woman and a very compassionate person. It was a Honor to know her.
Kathy (Kearney) Jensen says
Bernie, Juliann and Patti,
So sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Kathy
Shawn Walsh says
My mom thought the world of your mom. They were such good friends. Helen will be missed.
The Griffins says
Grandma Helena (as Mandi called her) will live on in the kind and giving spirit of her children and in the celebration and achievements of her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed but will continue to make us smile with beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing her with us.