Helen Frances Gonsior, 97
Helen Frances Gonsior, 97, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
She was born April 5, 1908, at Argyle, Minn., the fourth child of nine children to Walter Joseph and Mary (Kierzek) Dobrowski. Her parents moved to Carlyle, Mont., where they farmed, when Helen was an infant. Helen was always a caregiver, while most children of 11 are just playing, Helen's responsibilities were numerous. When her mother died of influenza and her father was hospitalized, Helen made biscuits, and helped cook and clean after her older and younger siblings. This young family managed to survive the harsh realities of life on their small Montana farm.
When in her teens, she and her sister, Mary, and brother, Stanley, went to Minneapolis to seek employment. She worked there until her marriage to Thomas Albert Gonsior on Nov. 23, 1927. They moved back to Montana to farm after their daughter Genevieve was born Sept. 14, 1928. They farmed for several years, adding son Bobby and daughters Betty and Joanne to the family. They moved to Kalispell in 1936, where their daughter Rosemary was born in 1938. Helen lived in Kalispell the rest of her life.
She became a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church and was active in the Altar Society. She helped make quilts and baby blankets for needy families and contributed to many bazaars at the church. She also made quilts for all her grandchildren and all the great-grandchildren.
Helen loved camping at Bitterroot Lake, picking huckleberries in the summer and keeping a large garden of vegetables and flowers most of her life. Some of her peonies still are growing in her daughter's gardens.
In 1949, her brother Ed's daughter, Judy, came to live with them and always was considered a daughter and sister by the family. Ed also lived with Tom and Helen after he became afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. He continued to live with Helen until he moved to Heritage Place for more professional care. Helen also cared for her sister Mary during her years of ill health.
Before moving to Prestige she enjoyed the many mystery trips provided by the senior citizens group. At Prestige, she enjoyed the companionship of the residents, especially card games, Bingo and other activities provided. She celebrated many birthdays with family members, and each year added was a memorable occasion.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas; four brothers, John, Stanley, Ed and Allie; two sisters, Rose and Mary; grandson, Ronald; and three stepgrandchildren, Tara, Joe and Vernetta.
She is survived by her son, Robert Gonsior, and wife, Lorraine, of Kalispell; four daughters, Genevieve Barry and husband, Ralph, of Kalispell, Betty Dahler and husband, Lloyd, of Ducula, Ga., Joanne Neils and husband, Vincent, of Libby, and Rosemary Forsyth of Kila; one sister, Clara Robison, and husband, Gene, of Seattle; one brother, Joe Dobrowski, and wife, Teresa, of Wibaux; 14 grandchildren; Lorraine Busch, Terry Miller, Laurie Crummer, Julie Kolacki, Jeannette Carswell, Sara Martinez, Karen Cook, Cindy Groth, David Neils, Malinda Marroquin, Brian Neils, Kellie Kittleson, Shoughn Forsyth, Michelle Thomson and Wendy Haagerup; 25 great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren, 14, stepgreat-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and 15 stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Helen Frances Gonsior at 10:30 a.m. today, March 3, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, with Father Vic Langhans as celebrant. Commital will be after the service at Glacier Memorial Gardens. After the services there will be a reception at the Doran Center at the church.
The family suggests memorials be given to Hospice Home Health Options, 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901, or the charity of your choice.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Helen's family.
This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.