Helen Williams Smigaj, age 93 of Helena, passed away on March 14, 2011. She was one of eleven children born to William James and Annie Ring Williams. She was born on April 6, 1917 and spent her childhood and young adulthood years in Marysville, MT.
Helen married Zigmunt Smigaj (passed in 1995) on July 9, 1942 in East Helena, MT. Together they had two sons, Zigmunt and Gary Smigaj.
Helen graduated from Helena High School in 1935 and then graduated from Great Falls Beauty College in 1937. Throughout her life, Helen worked as a homemaker, music maker, painter, and poetry writer.
Helen was very creative and artistic and had many beloved hobbies. She loved to write poetry, paint, play the organ, play pinochle and bingo, mine, target practice, and she was a great cook. She was an active member of the Cathedral of St. Helena until her health issues arose. She was also a member of the Marysville Pioneers.
Helen is survived by her sons, Zigmunt (Dr. Diana) Smigaj of Seliah, WA and Gary (Denise) Smigaj of Helena; five grandchildren, Zig, James (Mariah) and Andy Smigaj, Gary Scott (Bettina) and Carrie (Andy) Saltenberger; five great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Andy Smigaj, and Isabel, Eli and Quincy Saltenberger; nieces, Lorna (Tom) Johns and Wanda Powers; nephew, Denny (Mariam) Haley; sister-in-law, Eris Williams; and more numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Zig; her parents, William and Annie; brothers, Charles “Chuck”, Roger, William “Weary” and Tom Williams; sister, Alice; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph and Eileen, Russell and Dorothy; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gladys and Bob Wenstrom, Jessie and Lloyd Wokasch and Lottie and Charles Rector.
The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff of Son Heaven II and the Cooney Rehab Center and Convalescent Home.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 17 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be noon, Friday, March 18 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Helen’s name are suggested the Marysville Pioneers, Cathedral of St. Helena or to any organization or charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Amy Pratt Davis says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Chris Haley O'Connor says
Rest in Peace Aunt Helen. I will always remember walking to visit her from Aunt Dar’s and Gramma’s houses. It was always such a pleasure to visit and listen to the stories.
Diane Pedersen says
Gary and Denise
I was sorry to learn that your mother passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
God Bless you all
Diane
Jen Haley says
As with my sister, Chris, I remember these family members, including Weary and Aunt Mickey, all living within walking distance for us. Being able to go visit was a real treat, they were all wonderful people. God rest her beautiful soul.
Mike DaSilva says
Gary, Denise & Family,
You are in my thoughts with sympathy and prayer. I couldn’t physically attend the funeral, but was there in spirit. God bless you all.
Mike DaSilva
Theresa and Marc racicot says
Dear Smigaj,
We both lost our moms days apart. What a wonderful life she had. Her legacy will live on in her lovely family. We think of you often and hope you are all well. You are in our prayers as you adjust the hole she will leave in your lives. Theresa