Lucille Helean Wamsley, 90
Lucille Helean Wamsley, 90, passed away peacefully Dec. 1, 2006, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell. She was born to James E. 'Buck' Helean and Mayme Byron on May 22, 1916, in Great Falls. However, she always celebrated her birthday on May 19 'so she could get her presents early.'
Shortly after birth, her family moved to Missoula, where she lived for most of her life. Her twin sister died in infancy and her mother passed away in 1932, when she was just 16. She and her three sisters, Marie, Helen and Grace, attended Sacred Heart Academy, where she graduated from high school. It was there that she learned to dance and play the piano, two of her favorite things.
During the summer months, the Helean girls loved to work for their dad, who was a road contractor back in the days when men and horses did the work. Buck Helean built many of the original highways in western Montana, Idaho and Washington. The girls held many jobs, from bookkeeper to cook to the most coveted job: driving Dad's Buick from Missoula to the camps with the men's money on payday.
Lucille attended the University of Montana, where currently all four of her grandchildren attend, and was a longtime Griz fan.
Lucille worked for many years at the Missoula Mercantile, now Macy's, in the hat department.
She married Philip John 'Pink' Wamsley on Dec. 28, 1946, at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Missoula upon his return from World War II. They were married for 56 years before his death in May 2003.
They spent the first year after they were married in Charlo, where Lucille's new mother-in-law proudly introduced her to the D'Aste Women's Club and other Charlo social groups. The couple moved to Missoula a year later.
Lucille also spent the early years of her marriage enjoying hunting and fishing with her husband and spending time with family and friends. They spent every summer at their cabin on Indian Bay of Flathead Lake, where many family and friends share happy memories.
The true joys of Lucille's life were her two children, Pat and Mike. She was a devoted mother, a Campfire Girl leader, Cub Scout leader, home room mother, sandwich-maker extraordinaire, and whatever it would take to make sure her kids were happy.
Lucille's most wonderful gift was her positive attitude. She was always smiling, had a sparkle in her eye, and was quick to laugh. She never said a mean thing about anyone and never complained even when her health declined.
Lucille had a deep belief in God and was an active member of St. Anthony's Parish in Missoula. There were many times when her guardian angels were with her. She met many wonderful 'angels' on Earth, such as Denise Ryan and also those who cared for her when she moved to Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell in February 2004 and then to the Brendan House in August 2006. Lucille loved her family more than anything and was a wonderful, kind and gentle woman. She will be greatly missed.
Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Pink; and her sisters, Grace Howard, Marie Johnson and Helen Helean.
She is survived by her daughter, Pat, and husband, Jeff Wilson, of Bigfork; her son, Mike Wamsley, of Missoula; her grandchildren, Trevor and Ashley Wamsley, and Bergen and Whitney Wilson; her sisters/brothers-in-law, Marney Wamsley, Connie and Fran Wamsley, and Barbara and George Wamsley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held to celebrate the life of Lucille at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at St. Anthony's Parish in Missoula, followed by a reception at 10370 Kona Ranch Road. Inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to: NWHC Foundation, c/o Brendan House, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901, in honor of the wonderful employees who cared for Lucille in the last months of her life.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Lucille's family.