Irene M. (nee Hand) Roberts passed away peacefully on July 13, 2021 at 104 years of age. She left this world enveloped in love which she believed was the essence of life. She was always ready to welcome family, friends, and others into her home, usually with a kettle of hot soup.
Irene was a friend to all, hard-working, vivacious, and most of all loving. She was born during a spring blizzard on April 28, 1917, in McLaughlin, South Dakota to George B. and Rose A. Hand.
She had an amazing ability to recall life as a farm child on the plains of South Dakota – wonderful, beautiful memories – in stunning detail. She LOVED the wind in her face until her last breath. Her joyful spirit remained front and center despite experiencing incredible hardships, in the early years of her life.
At the tender age of six, Irene developed polio and spent months at the Shriners’ Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. While she was, at first, homesick, Irene recalled the joy of meeting the other children and having fun at this facility, despite the paralysis in her right leg and arm. With her mother’s dedicated help, she eventually regained the use of her right leg but was left with a partially paralyzed right arm and hand. Rarely noticed by many who knew her, her limited arm movement in no way limited her ability to reach out to others.
Her family moved to Miles City, Montana where she graduated from high school in 1935. Irene attended, and was in the first graduating class at Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings) where she received her teaching degree. Her first teaching job was in a one-room, woodstove-heated schoolhouse in Ismay, Montana. She stoked the fire, pumped water, and enjoyed the challenge and adventure of teaching. This experience was an introduction to her love of learning and understanding the stories of others.
She met her future husband, Byron, when he was a resident of her parents’ boarding house in Miles City, Montana. Irene and Byron married on June 22, 1938 and began a family of eight children. Their seventh child, Jeannie Marie, was born with Down’s Syndrome in 1954. Irene, as did the entire family, viewed little Jeannie as a gift from God. Jeannie died of Leukemia when she was just 3 years old.
Irene’s joyful, free, and most definitely independent spirit clearly showed as a wonderful parent and role model for her children. They fondly remember lively discussions around the family dinner table and share wonderful memories of summer camping trips.
Irene’s community and church activities were legendary. Her example as a role model was evident as a member of St. Helena Cathedral for over 65 years where she taught CCD, laundered linens, and baked communion bread. She was a dedicated volunteer in the schools that her children and grandchildren attended. She was one of the founding members of Food Share, and a nursing home volunteer who brought communion and conversation to many in the community (famous words from Irene: “I’m going to visit some of my old people” most of whom were younger than her). She also volunteered extensively at Central School and The Holter Museum, to name a few. She was named Montana Mother of the Year and received the Borromeo Award and the Hometown Hero Award.
Irene and Byron traveled extensively throughout the United States after his retirement in 1976. Throw a dart at the US Map and chances are high they had been there (or very close). Irene’s daily writings describing the sights and adventures of those trips are delightful to read and clearly express her life-long curiosity to see what was around the next corner or over the next hill.
After Byron’s death, Irene’s independence and love of travel continued unabated as she explored Southern Europe, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Mexico, and both coasts of Canada. Among her most notable trips were a Mediterranean cruise with friends from the Catholic diocese, a trip to the Holy Land with her grandson, Joe Roberts, and a trip to Father Jim Hazelton’s mission in Guatemala at age 87.
Her love for knowledge continued through the advanced learning she received by auditing classes in many subjects for over 20 years at Carroll College, taking her last class at age 98.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Byron; her daughter Jean Marie Roberts; her grandson William Timothy Roberts; her great grandson Trent James Havron; and her siblings, Florence Maguire, Clarence Hand and Bill Hand.
She is survived by her seven children: Mary Ann (Joe) Baumgardner, Byron (Carla), Dean (Helen), Kathleen (Bob) Meyer, William (Peggy), David (Joyce), and Colleen (Mike) Casey; 27 grandchildren: Bill Baumgardner, Karen Anderson, Leslie Sacco, Lynn Journey, Jill Roberts, Steve Roberts, Mike Roberts, Dan Roberts, Joanne Berglund, John Roberts, Dean Roberts, Mark Roberts, Matthew Roberts, Lisa Samuelsen, Julie Zurakowski, Susan Meyer, Amy Braun, Ann Swenson, Liz Mogstad, Katie Church, Tony Roberts, Joe Roberts, Andy Roberts, Tom Roberts, David Roberts, Sara Taleff, and Kevin Casey; 51 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. Near her passing, Irene was happy to learn of the expected arrival of her second great-great grandchild. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Irene lived a life filled with the Spirit and left us with her last words, “Love, Love.”
Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Touchmark where Irene lived for the past two years. They provided friendship, excellent care and conversation to Irene and her family, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are so grateful.
A Viewing is set from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday July 23 at noon at the Cathedral of St. Helena, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery. All are welcome at a luncheon reception that will follow at the Carroll College Commons.
Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Cathedral of St. Helena or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 22, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 22, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday July 23, 2021
Carroll College Commons-Lower Level
1601 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 22, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 22, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday July 23, 2021
Carroll College Commons-Lower Level
1601 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Shauna Longmire says
When thinking of Irene, I don’t know where to start. She was an incredible friend and woman who I am lucky enough to have had with me when I was baptized. To all of her family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Irene will be missed terribly, but there is comfort in knowing she has gained her angel wings and will be flying high!!
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Irene was a wonderful person. All one need do is to look at her children and grandchildren. They all reflect the tremendous person that was Irene. What a long and great life!! Peace to her family.
Jon & Becky Bass says
To Colleen and all of the Roberts Family,
What a Amazing person, and example to all of us!!!! May Our Lord comfort each of you through this time and legacy, of a true saint. A great big celebration is happening in Heaven right now, good and faithful servant! Colleen, its been a few years, but I truly feel blessed to have known your mom for a few years! Bless each of you
Jon and Becky (linton)Bass
Pam Schindler says
To Colleen and family- What a Helena icon that will be missed in our beautiful city. Rest In Peace Irene knowing you are loved by your family and friends.
Pam and Eric Schindler
Chris says
Thoughts are with you all. I very much enjoyed Irenes stories and spending time with her. She was one of the best humans that i have come across. She was full of Love for everything and everyone. She will be missed. 104! What those eyes have seen❤️
Erin Besen says
I’ve been trying to figure out words to say or share and I’m at such a loss. I’m so so sorry for all her friends and especially her family. I can still very clearly remember my meetings with Irene even though they were when I was a young girl. She had a profound way of making everyone feel special. What an amazing women to have known!
Lee and Christal Anderson says
We were sad to hear of Irene’s passing. Our condolences to her family. She was a wonderful person and we were privileged to enjoy her company and witness her joy in life and learning.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Doug Olson says
Irene was a voice for friendship, for optimism, for hope and for faith. She was a joy to be present and a gift to the St. Helena Cathedral community as well as to Helena. My prayers to all of Irene’s family and friends at her passing. I was fortunate to cross her path and to be her friend while in Helena.
Fr. Jerry Burr says
Sincere sympathy to all the Roberts family members. And a sure remembrance in Eucharist for Irene.
She was a beacon of faith and joy in the Cathedral Parish and in the larger Helena community. May she now be at home in the Father’s House ! Fr. Jerry Burr
Lois says
Liz, Mathew and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Liz, you talked about her so much we feel like we know her. I’m sure you have so many fond memories of her and it was always fun to hear your stories. We’ll need to hear more.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Kellie (Anderson) Voyich says
Vuko and I feel BLESSED to have known Irene! She was witty and kind, and just had a sparkle to her. She will be greatly missed, but also greatly remembered.
Paul Anderson says
Donna and I feel blessed Irene was a part of our lives.
Deb Johnson says
Irene was such an amazing lady. I didn’t know her well, but visited with her several times while she was volunteering at Central School. She was such an inspiration to so many people and well loved. Hers was definitely a life well lived. My condolences to the family.
Ann Nickel says
To Dave and all the Roberts’ family,
Sending my thoughts, love, and prayers as you celebrate the wonderful long life of your mother. I know you will hold those cherished precious memories close to your heart. 💗
Diane Williams says
Dear Joyce, Dave, Colleen and Mary Ann,
Irene was the gem of Helena! Weren’t we lucky to have her and know her.
You are a wonderful family and I appreciate knowing you too.
Love and deepest sympathy, Diane and Budd
Diane Williams says
Dear Joyce, Dave, Colleen and Mary Ann,
Irene was the gem of Helena! Weren’t we lucky to have her and know her.
You are a wonderful family and I appreciate knowing you too.
Love and Deepest Sympathy, Diane and Budd
Diane Macaraeg-Langenfus says
Please accept our deepest condolences at the passing of our dear sweet Irene. Three generations of our family knew and loved her, her children, and grandchildren. Our family home was up the street on Broadway from the Roberts household. Irene and my grandmother Eleanor Wong were great friends and Irene visited daily in grammas later years even driving all the way out to Clancy to give her communion. My Uncle Don grew up with her older sons and my daughter grew up with her grandtwins Lynn and Leslie. When my mother became ill, again Irene paid daily visits both at our family home then up to Waterford. She went even further by serving the Eucharist at family weddings and funerals and even delivering the obituary for our family members that knew and loved her so. She was the consumate ray of sunshine to so many generations of Helena families both Catholic and non Catholic alike. She will be greatly missed in the whole community of Helena. I’m so sorry we will not be able to attend the celebration of her life and we have been traveling and will not be there in time.
God Bless you all in her beautiful family.
America Ruggles says
I worked with Irene for over a year and she absolutely loved most people she came into contact with. She loved sharing her me memories with her “blue birds” from Touchmark. She was loved dearly by all of us. She had quite the life and it was always wonderful hearing about her many experiences!
Maggan & Darrell Walstad says
Dear Colleen,Mike and family,
Our condolences to you all as you mourn Irene. What a loving obituary of the remarkable life she lived!
In love and sympathy,
Maggan & Darrell
Rev. Richard Francesco says
Heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of Irene Roberts for so many years, and condolences to all her loved ones. She will be greatly missed by the Helena community. Irene brought her joyful spirit when she had occasion to attend Mass with Saint Mary Catholic Community, and the ministers of Saint Mary had the distinct privilege of welcoming and serving her at Touchmark. I recall some occasions when both she and Anne Van Sickle were present at the same Mass, remarking that they represented two hundred years of faithful service to God and neighbor. Blessings to all who knew Irene and loved her.
Father Richard
Joyce Inchauspe says
Irene was a blessing to behold! I remember the day I met her at church. She was so joyful. Rest in peace Irene
Anne Bauer says
What joy Irene brought to the parish and the neighborhood! She was an amazing example of how to be in the world. RIP, Mrs. Roberts
Gail Kriskovich says
This obituary is perfect. She was an amazing strong woman who had an amazing family. You could feel the love of this family. She was a great role model and teacher to all of us. Her spirit was wonderful. I have been gone from Helena for six years, but I always admired her.
Love and prayers to all her family.
RIP, Irene.
Mildred McDermott , Vallejo, CA says
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Roberts family.
One memory I have of Irene Roberts is when Mary Ann and I were in college. One day at Mary Ann’s suggestion we called her mother. We said that we were some group from the Cathedral. The group was holding a big bake sale. Mary Ann already knew that her mother had offered to bake several things. However pretending to be a member of this group we ask her to bake several more things …. like a couple dozen cookies, a pie and a cake. Irene Cheerfully to do all of this.
Later when we got to Mary Ann house, we ask Irene what she was baking. . She told us what all she was to do. Then we told her what we had done, that we were callers . She laughed and let it go.
Mostly I am very appreciative ofIrene’s friendship with my mother. Irene introduced my mother to two retreats at Carroll College and organizations at the Cathedral etc. . She was a gift o all of us.