Helen Kathryn Gilligan, 85

Helen Kathryn Gilligan, 85, died on Thursday, April 21, 2005, after a long illness, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

She was born Dec. 3, 1919, in Brockton, the daughter of John Joseph and Barbara Teresa (Noehl) Gilligan. Helen graduated from Brockton High School and attended Kinman Business College in Spokane.

She worked as a secretary for the U.S. Navy during World War II and, after the war, she worked for the U.S. State Department in Germany. Helen attended the Nuremberg trials, through which the world sought some measure of justice for the millions killed by the Nazi's during the war. She made her career at the University of Washington, where she worked for many years as an administrative assistant in the college of arts and sciences. She also attended the university, where she studied art and creative writing; her sister, Margaret, cherishes one of her drawings, "The Ribbon Man".

Helen read widely and loved classical music. For many years, she was the secretary of the Seattle Youth Symphony. She was fiercely proud and independent and never married. She cared for her sister, Dorothy, throughout her terminal illness many years ago, and was the primary care giver for her mother, Barbara Gilligan, until her death in 1975.

Helen's life was informed and defined by her deep and profound Catholic faith. She was a Third Order Dominican and a faithful supporter of the mission, especially the Divine Word Missionaries, which her cousin, Father Bartley Schmitz, still serves as a priest. She also supported the work of Francis Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria and the Franciscan Missionaries throughout the world. Helen was a special friend of an order of Carmelite Nuns in Seattle and frequently sought their prayers for her friends and family.

Helen's family gratefully acknowledges the kindness and compassion of her physician, Dr. Ann Bukacek, the nurses and staff of Brendan House, the Eucharistic ministers, staff, and volunteers from St. Matthew's Parish, the Comfort Keepers who cared for her during the last two years of her life, her Meals on Wheels volunteers, and Terry Browning and her friends and neighbors.

The family suggests that those who wish may make donations in her memory, to the St. Matthew's Parish building fund in Kalispell.

Helen was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters, Allen, Lawrence, Paul, Floyd, Irma, and Dorothy.

She is survived by her youngest sister, Margaret Beckers and husband, Herb, of Kalispell; her close friend and care giver, Terry Browning; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Christian burial will be held 12:10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church with Father Vic Langhans as celebrant. There will be a Rosary held at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 25, at Johnson Mortuary Chapel, lead by Deacon Fred Topp. Burial will be at C. E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Helen's family.