Sharon Patricia (Kelly) Lang passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on April 26, 1938, at St. John’s Hospital in Helena, MT, to Leo V. “Skipper” and Helen Bailey Kelly. Sharon grew up in Anaconda and was the eldest of eight siblings. She was also a cherished wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, Godmother, and friend.
Sharon dedicated much of her life to serving others as a nurse, working long hours while never missing her children’s sporting events. She started her career at St. John’s Hospital, then worked for the VA for 33 years. After her retirement, she contracted through the VA traveling across Montana, inspecting veteran care facilities. Her compassion knew no bounds, and her selfless spirit became legendary among those who knew her. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcome.
After retiring, Sharon found joy in the simplicity of life. She treasured her morning walks with friends, shared laughter over games of bridge, and faithfully attended Sunday mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Community, where she was also a Eucharistic minister and lector. Her faith and kindness were evident in every aspect of her life—most notably in her role as a phenomenal religious education teacher to many parish members, including her beloved children and grandchildren.
Sharon was a proud graduate of Carroll College, where she was deeply involved in athletics and alumni events. It was there that she met the love of her life and husband, Henry Lang, creating a foundation for a lifetime of shared memories. Sharon’s connections extended beyond Carroll as she became an active member of the Ladies’ League at Bill Roberts Golf Course, enjoying many cherished rounds with lifelong friends.
Her Irish heritage was a source of pride, and Sharon was an esteemed member, and state president, of the Hibernians, earning The Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett Medal for Social Justice Award—a testament to her dedication and contributions to the community.
Sharon will always be remembered for her radiant smile, her voice cheering on her children and grandkids at their sporting events, and her unforgettable dance moves that brought joy to every room she entered. Everyone would say Sharon could “cut a rug.” Her unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone’s needs were met earned her the endearing title of “Saint Sharon.” The Lang Household always had room for one more, they even hosted an exchange student, Roberto Navarro. Sunday dinners were host to family and friends alike, as Sharon cherished nothing more than the bonds she shared with loved ones.
Sharon is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Henry Lang; their children Helen Lang, Stephen (Sandy) Lang, James (Leslie) Lang, Christopher (Dia) Lang, and Loretta (Brett) Boynton; her siblings Mary Pat Kelly Tuss and (Gene Puccinelli), and Vincent (Natalie) Kelly; and sisters-in-law, Kay Lynn Kelly and Karen Kelly; along with 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and so many friends and family who will forever miss her loving presence.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents Leo V. “Skipper” and Helen Kelly. Her siblings: Leo V. “Skip” Kelly Jr., Dick and Judy Beck, Ben and Katherine “Kay” Messina, John Edward “Bobo” Kelly, and Michael Kelly; and her grandson, Cody Lang.
The family is deeply grateful and offers a special thank you to Helen Lang and Katie Lockett for the tireless dedication and care they provided Sharon during her courageous eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
Viewing time will begin at 9:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Room at St. Mary Catholic Community on Saturday, April 12, 2025 with her funeral Mass scheduled for 10 a.m. A reception will immediately follow the Mass in Saint Mary’s social center. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Helena Food Share, an organization close to Sharon’s heart, or to an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Foundation of your choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m.
Saturday April 12, 2025
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 12, 2025
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following Funeral Mass
Saturday April 12, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m.
Saturday April 12, 2025
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 12, 2025
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following Funeral Mass
Saturday April 12, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Share
Nicolle Seiller says
I am so sorry for your loss. Grandma Sharon was truly a beautiful soul. Wishing you all love and peace.
Kevin Bartsch says
Sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. I’m certain her and Noreen have a Bridge game going now!! A life well lived managing the Lang Gang for sure. Take care to all of you!
Jeanette Van Meter says
Sharon was the sweetest, happiest and loving person we knew. Her Irish eyes were always smiling. We had great fun in Red Hats, she was a bright spot were ever she was. Everyone loved Sharon
Jim and I send our thoughts and prayers for the Lang Family.
Jim and Jeanette Van Meter
Jo Berg says
So sorry to hear of beautiful Sharon’s passing over the years working with Hank at the Lottery, I always enjoyed chatting it up with her at Lottery functions and running into her around town. May all your memories help sustain you, Lang family.
Jo Berg
Diane says
Helena and family
My heart breaks for you and your family. May you all find comfort in knowing your mom is now in God’s hand and free from any more pain or suffering. God bless you all at this difficult time. Love Diane, Kristy, Ray and our family.❤️
Audrey and Tim Kelly says
Lang Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
StoneCarlsons of Helena says
Look for the sunshine & butterflies in your gardens!
☀ 🌷 🦋 💐 🍀
We give you our sympathies in the great loss
of your dear Irish ☘ Matriarch, Sharon Lang.
May she rest in eternal Peace.
GPA Hank , Helen, all the Langs extended family &
friends we offer our condolences knowing she would
want you to carry on ( especially now with her offer of extra heavenly guidance.)
We extend our heartfelt prayers and comfort
to our longtime Friends & Neighbors, Granddaughter Nichole and her family, husband Mark and those strapping greatgrandsons all. We are here for you!
Keep the faith & stay strong !
♡ Carol & Carl
Maggie Farmer Mccartney says
I am so very sorry to read of Sharon’s passing. She was very dear to me and always treated me so special because I was their babysitter from the time Jimmy was a newborn born until I turned 16 and went to work at Shodair, and Christopher and Loretta were added to the family. I loved babies and certainly got my dose from the Lang gang! I later worked at the VA with Sharon and was so happy to see her. She was always so appreciative of my care for her brood, and I loved it. It makes me happy to,see all the grandkids and great grandkids she has. Besides Hank I am sure each one was the light of her life. RIP dear Sharon it was an honor to know you.
Pat Franks says
Sharon and I co-chaired the Governor’s Cup Spaghetti Feed for years. I was always excited when that time of year came around. She was so much fun to be with! Sharon was an excellent cook and taught me how to feed over 500 people! She was our earthly saint- with her great smile, since of humor and gentle manor. I worked with her Son, Steve too. Sharon raised good hard working kids. She had a wonderful life! I’m sorry that she ‘s left this earth but I’m sure she’s completely at home in heaven. Peace to all of her family.
Lori Schneider says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a dear friend of my mom’s and always welcomed me to your home when I was hanging out with Loretta. I will keep you all in my prayers ❤️
Deb Kralicek says
I will always remember how kind and short I’ve when I joined the staff at Saint Mary 18 years ago. She welcomed me and would check in to make sure I was ok or needed something. Her smile and hugs meant so much. I am blessed in knowing her.
My prayers are with all her family and friends.
Deb Kralicek says
Oops- typo. Kind and blessed when I joined…..
Matt Diette says
My condolences to the Lang family. I have memories of Sharon and Hank from the Bill Roberts Golf Course.
Terry Beaver says
Lang Family.
I’m sorry for the loss of your wife. mother and mother in law. She has settled with a familiar bridge table in Heaven with a number of players who have pursued her. Patty is one of those who now are free of pain and fully restored of all they were in their younger days, as is Sharon.
Love,
Terry
James Francis O'Neill says
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My mother and Sharon’s dad were brother and sister. I had a long history with Sharon’s family. They treated me and my sister beautifully. I also attended Carroll College and enjoyed my time visiting with Sharon. While attending Carroll my wife and I had our first- born child, a boy, whom we named Jimmy. Sharon and Hank also had a first – born child, a girl, whom they named Helen. We exchanged babysitting duties. We took care of Helen in the evenings and she took care of Jimmy during the day. I always felt very supported by Sharon and all of the Kellys. She was full of love for all of us. I will always have warm feelings about Sharon and am happy that she is now in the arms of our Lord and Savior
Marty Kloker says
Sharon was a true Irish Anaconda girl “family first, family second, and family forever!!!
God Bless and God Speed to the Lang families and the Kelly families
Lynn Staley says
To Sharon’s dear family. I have so many beautiful memories of special times with Sharon, golfing together or at our monthly Bunco gatherings. Such a special friend. Sharon, Rest In Peace