Helen Bouchard, 76
Helen Bouchard, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, 'went home to her parents' the morning of Nov. 29, 2006.
Helen was born Oct. 29, 1930, to Ella and Gordon Mull in Gallatin Gateway, Mont.
She married a man that her father warned her against and for 56 years they lived and loved together.
Helen is survived by her husband, Charles 'Pat'; and their children, Patty, Terry and Jerry, Alan, and Dawn and Julio; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, with another expected in January 2007.
Helen spent her early years raising their four children. As a family they enjoyed bowling, water skiing and snow skiing. She was also an accomplished knitter and seamstress. Helen loved being outdoors no matter the weather. Springtime found her putzying in her garden, summertime she fought the deer from eating her flowers, fall she was cleaning up the pine needles, and winter she would enjoy the crispness of the air.
Helen was part of a very large and close family. She was pre-deceased by her parents; sister Janie; and brother Horace.
She leaves behind four sisters, Gladys, Dot and Ting, Evelyn 'Ev' and Tom, and Lavina 'Sandy' and Lee; her brother, Frank and Tony; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
All who knew Helen loved her, for she had the knack of always making them feel welcome and comfortable in her home. Her family came together in Polson to mourn their loss but more importantly to celebrate her life. We will miss her quiet wisdom and sage advice, but she taught us all well, and now we go on as she would have wanted us to, loving our families and living each day enjoying the simple pleasures that life hands us.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials for Helen to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1002 Fourth Ave. East, Polson, MT 59860.
Memorials will be forwarded to 'Share the Spirit' or 'Helping Hands,' both local children's charities.
A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1002 Fourth Ave. East, in Polson. Lunch will be provided after the service.