Lenore J. Carlson, age 84, of Helena

Lenore Jean (Pistelak) Carlson passed away peacefully on December 5, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. Lenore fought a courageous battle with cancer for the last 13 years. She was born on January 15, 1932 to Joseph and Mary (Vook) Pistelak in Helena, Montana.  She attended grade school in East Helena and graduated from Helena High in 1949.  Lenore was employed by Mountain Bell the day she turned 16 years old in 1948 as an operator, “number please” days.

In 1951 Lenore married Bert Carlson. A daughter Cheryl was born from this union.  They later divorced in 1978, and Lenore went back to work for Mountain Bell in several capacities as Group Manager, Instructor and In-Charge.  She later transferred to Billings in the same capacities and continued her work with AT&T.  The highlight of her career was a personal letter from Bob Allen then CEO of AT&T commending her for doing an extraordinary job in solving a problem for a company who had trouble completing a call to New York.  In 1990,

Lenore passed the Montana Real Estate test and requirements and was employed part-time as a sales associate with Associated Realty in Billings. After retirement from AT&T in 1993, she continued in Real Estate and worked part-time for Burns Security at Wells Fargo Bank and Exxon Refinery.  Upon returning to Helena, she continued part-time employment with Burns Security at St. Peter’s Hospital and the National Guard Building.

Lenore loved the outdoors, animals and always had a big garden. She loved to share her produce with relatives and friends and was at peace weeding and watching things grow.

Many hunting and camping trips were enjoyed with her faithful companion Jack R. Dwyer and dogs Voochie and Kinney and cat Mr. Noodles. She could see the beauty in every rock and tree.

Lenore enjoyed and loved her two great grandchildren Bryana and Jacob very much and was proud of their accomplishments. She also looked forward to the Bazaars at the Civic Center with her granddaughter Lana where they sold their crafts and sewing.

Lenore was preceded in death by her mother and father Mary and Joseph Pistelak, special grandson Bryan Zobenica and several uncles and an aunt.

She is survived by companion and caregiver Jack R. Dwyer, daughter Cheryl (Dave) Zobenica, granddaughter Lana (Dana) Curry, great granddaughter Bryana Curry, great grandson Jacob Curry, brother Joseph (Issie) Pistelak, nephews John and Tony Pistelak, cousin Lorraine (Fred) Schell, Jack’s son Mike (Molly) Dwyer, and grandsons Conor and Sean Dwyer.

A special thank you to Dr. Weiner and staff for her care over the years, the Oncology Nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital, and St. Peter’s Hospice.

Viewing will be Tuesday, December 13^th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14^th at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs in East Helena. Rite of committal will follow the Mass at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena. A reception will follow the committal service at in the fellowship hall of the church. Memorials may be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.

Service Schedule

Viewing

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday December 13, 2016

Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Avenue

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

Wednesday December 14, 2016

SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church

120 W. Riggs

East Helena, Montana 59634

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Rite of Committal

Immediately following the funeral Mass

Wednesday December 14, 2016

St. Ann's Cemetery

East Helena, Montana 59634

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Funeral Reception

Following the Rite of Committal

Wednesday December 14, 2016

SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church reception hall

120 W. Riggs

East Helena, Montana 59634

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