Helen was born to Italian immigrants Pete and Micheline Trocche in Sheridan, Wyo., on Aug. 31, 1917. She graduated with honors from Sheridan High School and served her country in WWII as the private secretary of the commanding general at Fort Warren in Cheyenne, Wyo. While in Fort Warren, Helen met and wed her life partner of 59 years, James D. Kelly, who preceded her in death.

Jim and Helen purchased a store in Garryowen before opening their first store in Hardin in 1951. It was the years in Hardin that Helen radiated, assisting Jim, raising her family and finding time to live out the real American dream her parents had come for. Surrounded by family and a multitude of friends and playmates, her life was filled with coffee cliques, bridge games and golfing. Helen always took an active interest in her church and the St. Joseph's Altar Society, Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts.

Helen is survived by her three children, Jim (Louise) of Boise, Idaho, Tom (Gayle) of Seattle and Patti of Missoula; her five grandchildren, Danny (Sherene), Susan (Wayne) Seiger, all of Boise, Shana (Pete) of Seattle, Roth Pedersen and Kief Pedersen of Missoula; three great-grandchildren, Shelby, James and Daniel of Boise; and her sister, Rose Lutz of Sheridan.

A Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Old St. Mary's Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 2411, Great Falls, MT 59403.

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home of Missoula.

Billings Gazette - January 26, 2007