Paulette Rae (Hess) Brown, age 73, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023 at her residence in Helena of natural causes. Paulette was born July 31, 1949, in Helena, MT. She was the youngest child of her father, Raymond J. Hess and mother, Elfrieda Dorthea (Gussner) Hess.
In 1942, Paulette’s family relocated from Mandan, ND, to Helena. Paulette was born and raised in Helena, where she attended local schools and graduated form Helena High School in 1967. She participated in the choir, dance, and theater programs and developed a great love for the performing arts.
In August of 1971, Paulette married Richard D. Brown, a native of Helena, after he returned from service in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. She had one son, Richard R. Brown.
Paulette pursued a career with the Montana Child Support Division. After she retired, she spent time socializing with her many friends and volunteering as a devout Catholic at the Cathedral of St. Helena.
Paulette shared a fondness for board games, always trying to get someone to play a game of Parcheesi or cards. She was also an avid fan of horror movies, which she passed on to her son and his daughters, Ani and Trinity Brown.
Paulette was a devoted animal lover responsible for raising many generations of cats, including the last two, the feisty Irish brothers’ Murphy and Muldoon.
Paulette was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband, Richard D. Brown; her brother, Don and his wife, Lilly; her brother, Allen and his wife, Barbara; sisters, Ione, Arlene, and Bernice; and her brother, Walter, who passed shortly after his birth.
Paulette suffered a devastating loss with the passing of each of her siblings; however, she is now reunited with her entire family, including her loving grandson Hunter Brown, who died of cancer at age four and is now adoringly embracing his grandmother.
Paulette is survived by her son, Richard R. Brown of Wyoming; her granddaughters, Trinity Brown, Ani Brown, Shanae Brown, and Kyra Stransky; great grandsons, Noah Brown, and Kohen Stransky.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.
“All the darkness in the World cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” St. Francis of Assisi.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Sharon Kaberline says
Tom and I have many fond memories of playing board games and going to the movies with her, as her Catholic friends we will miss her greatly and will be keeping her in our prayers always.
Jeanne Ahmann says
I’ve known Polly since we were classmates together at St Helena grade school. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I always enjoyed seeing her at Mass at the Cathedral. Rest in peace sweet Polly.
Rebekka Dodge says
Dear Young Rich…I am so sorry to hear about the death of your mom. When your dad (he is my cousin and lived down the street from us growing up) was in Viet Nam I prayed for him every day – and again when he received his new heart. I remember when your mom and dad got married. They were so young and in love. It must be a terrible sadness to have your mom now leave. My condolences to you and your family. I am truly sorry. (Roy was my dad and your grandma was my Aunt Helen)
Carolyn Sykes says
Dear Rich, I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Polly’s passing. She was so devoted to her faith. I know my mom enjoyed her daily talks with Polly. Mom was always concerned for her good health and well being. I knew it would be hard on Aunt Polly after my mom died. Here’s praying she is reunited with all her siblings and sweet Hunter. Carolyn
Nancy Goodspeed says
Polly (she rarely used her given name Paulette) was my best friend in the whole wide world. We were classmates at Helena High School and graduated in 1967, and afterward roomed together at Montana State University. We graduated together from MSU, and she began her long professional life for the State of Montana’s Child Support Division, and I started my career in broadcasting. Despite the fact that my career eventually took me away from Helena, we never lost touch, and recently we met for dinner at Yat Sun, an old Helena institution, although our usual haunt had been fountain shop The Parrot. Polly was fond of board games and was always trying to enlist someone to try the Ouija Board with her. I didn’t share her love of horror movies, but we both were very fond of animals and she heard far too much about my Jack Russell terriers Missy and Polo. I am glad she died peacefully, but I will miss seeing my old friend and hearing her say “son of a bitch!” Farewell my friend. You are forever in my heart.