Helen Mattson was born on June 5, 1921 to John and Helja Mattson in the small lumber town of Lawler, Minnesota. Her father was a lumberjack, so her mother and family followed him from one lumber camp to another throughout Helen’s childhood.
Helen’s pets were the wild animals she loved and tamed, her playground was the woods. The main mode of transportation for the Finnish family was by skis.
Helen met Charles Palmer on the steps of a General Store in Alvwood Minnesota when she was seventeen years old. After a short courtship they married and immediately left for a new life in Montana.
Mom had an adventurous spirit and a never ending desire to learn new things. When she was in her 70’s she sprained her ankle playing ball with her grandchildren, and learned to drive a 4-wheeler when she was in her 80’s.
At the age of 83, mom decided she was missing out on too much family news, so she needed a computer. She enlisted the help of a granddaughter, telling her she wanted a computer and anything that went with one. The granddaughter happily complied and included a DVD so she could teach herself to type. Mom loved sharing pictures and emails with family and friends. About this time mom decided she wanted a puppy. Expecting some resistance from the family concerning a puppy, she started researching dog breeds online. After finding the perfect puppy she ordered it online and requested air shipment to Billings. The family learned of her purchase when she needed a ride to Billings to pick it up. Ginger became her beloved, constant companion. Mom loved to go camping, but did not want to put anyone out by having to stay in their campers, so at the age of 85, she purchased her own. She enjoyed many campouts, and also used it as a summer home at the Bailey Ranch on her beloved Rosebud Creek.
Mom worked for 10 years as a nurse’s aide at the Rosebud County Hospital and Nursing Home where she later resided. After moving to Rosebud Creek she worked at the Lame Deer IGA as manager of the drug and jewelry department.
Helen is survived by her eight children Carol (Jack) Bailey, Charles Jr. (Kris), Karen (Larry) Kautzman, Shirley (Tom) Skinner, Gale (Julie) Palmer, Debbie Strizich (Jerry), Kathy Palmer (Dale) and Suzette (Bob) Phillips, and, her beloved dog, Ginger (Carma & Jim Zimmerman), fifteen grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 5 ½ great-great grandchildren, and her sister Helmi Larson.
Helen is preceded in death by her spouse of 63 years, Charles Palmer Sr., her parents, and three brothers.
Mom faced life with a beautiful smile on her face. Her motto was “If you can’t change your situation, then change your attitude”. She lived by that and accepted the challenges of life with cheerfulness. Mom was well loved by many people and will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially her family. The earth has shifted on its axis and will never be the same.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Dr. Anderson, Brady Ruff, nursing staff, CNA’s, cooks, cleaning staff, activities staff, and her wonderful friends who all took such excellent care of Mom.
A special Thank You to the “PALS GALS”, who made it possible for Mom to live in her own home for as long as possible. And last but surely not least, a very special Thank You to Frank and Susan of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home for their compassionate and loving care during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to The Rosebud Foundation, PO Box 500, Forsyth, MT 59327 or to The St. Labre Mission, PO Box 228, Ashland, MT 59003
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Saturday May 17, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following Services
Saturday May 17, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Saturday May 17, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Saturday May 17, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following Services
Saturday May 17, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Saturday May 17, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Bill and Rita Hanley says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear, dear Mom. Momma Palmer was one of the kindest, sweetest ladies I’ve ever met. She made me feel like I was just one of the crew. God bless her loving family as you grieve her loss but Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
Gracie Ann Waples Hill says
Special blessings and love sent your way….it is still hard to lose the ones we love. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Karen and Shirley, and families:
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Rocky and Kay Berdahl
Katy Harbaugh says
Shirley:
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Katy Harbaugh (Holiday Inn Express MC)
Brian and Sharon Roat says
We will sorely miss our sweet auntie. The last Matriarch of our family. I never considered her anything else but my blood aunt as that was how much she meant to me. There are no words to describe what a wonderful mother she has been. Amazing….we will miss her oh so warm hugs. Love, Brian and Sharon
francie fontaine riemann says
To everyone in Helen’s family, I would like to say thanks for allowing me to be in her life in so many ways as I grew up in Forsyth. Visits to my grandparents (under the hill) always involved such fun with the next door neighbors, the Palmer family! At their home, I found such warmth and good times. We children had so much fun in the little playhouse and running up, down and all over those hills. The center of those good times was always returning to see Helen’s smiling face. Such a gracious, loving woman she has been all the years I’ve known her. The evidence of her love is seeing her family who all have inherited that smile and ability to love! I thank God for allowing me to know and love Helen and her family! Heaven knows such joy on her arrival!
Rusty and Ruthie says
Always had a beautiful smile for you! She will be missed!
Lori Strizich Hess says
Debbie so sorry to hear about the passing of your aunt mother grandmother and great grand mother. My prayers are with you all.
Michael & Kristi Speelman says
Sorry to hear of your Loss we’ll keep you all in our Prayers.
Joyce Peterson says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vickie lafurge says
I’m am sorry to hear about your loss..gramma palmer was an awesome lady and an inspiration to us all.when ever I think of her I have to smile..she always had a positive aditude and she
was always full of life and happy..heaven just got another angel..
Cathy Torgerson Britton says
Although I never had the privilege to spend any time with “mom” I know that she created wonderful loving children and that says a lot about her. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
TJ Cape says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Blessings to you all.
Elsie Sorenson says
My dear Helen is now an angel in heaven. She was so proud of her wonderful family and I am so happy I got to be a part of them. I loved that dear lady.
Lynette Riley Kyle says
To the Palmer family, I was in Yuma, Az. when Nancy called me to let me know of your mom’s passing. My heart just sank. I am so glad I got to visit with you Shirley, and Karen in her room that day . Heaven has received a special angel with a beautiful smile. Something you two have acquired. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and comfort you during this time. Hugs and love to you, Lynette
Ron & Linda Grimsrud says
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Donna (McAllister) Deisher says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman, her love was felt by so many. Heaven has received an a very special angel from earth. She was one in a million!!
Rayetta Fjell says
Shirley & family;
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Prayers & thoughts are coming your way. Rayetta
Sheila Satterlee says
Such a special person with the biggest heart. She was the MOM that we all strive to be and then some. You kids and grandkids were the world to her and you are all soooo special because of the inspiration and love that your parents gave you. So sorry for your loss, but they are together again to watch over you. You have so many wonderful memories to keep both of them with you forever.
TJ Wald says
Blessings on all her children and family but especially on friends: Gale and Juli, and Bob and Suzette. You had a good start with a wonderful mom. Love you.
Curt and Cathy Fleming says
So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was energetic and had a passion for life. It is so difficult to lose a parent. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Helen Mattson Palmer – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Palmer. It was not the Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). In the Bible we are promised the resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Bill & Denice Hedges says
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear of your mom passing. She sounds like a wonderful lady! You are so lucky to have been able to love and enjoy her for so many wonderful years! I lost my mom when I was 22 so am very happy to see families who get to enjoy their moms for years!! You will have wonderful, loving memories to carry you the rest of your lives! God bless all of you.
Ken & Elaine Mattson says
We will indeed miss Aunt Helen. We always enjoyed visiting with her on our trips to Montana, and happy to say we were recipients of many of those emails she wrote. We’ll remember her ever present smile, hearty laugh, and generous heart. Can’t you just imagine the reunion up there of all those Finns? RIP, Helen.
T. Kelly says
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. My heart goes out to the family. Death is something we will never get use to. In fact, God’s Word refers to death as an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) It is comforting to know that very soon our loving Heavenly Father, Jehovah God, will remove death once and for all and give us the opportunity to see our loved ones again here on the earth.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending condolences to Helen’s family from Donna Jones.
Joan Leinwand says
My condolences to Helen’s family.
Donnie and Paula Peplow says
May the many memories of your mom warm your hearts and place a smile on your face.
ROBERTA ROTH says
SO SORRY ABOUT HELEN. I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF ALL THE YEARS WE WORKED AT IGA.
vivian young ostby says
Shirley, am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. She was such a nice lady. Prayers to you and your family.
Karie Weamer says
Thoughts and prayers are with your family today!! What a beautiful lady who raised a great family!
Duane & Sue Allred says
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother, while we didn’t get to know Her very well we know most of the rest of the family. You have all grown into some good people which can be attributed to your up-bringing.
Bo, Gary & Jaycee Lyon says
Prayers for your families loss..! Losing a loved one is never easy…but know you will see them again..! God Bless each and everyone of you and may He keep you in His loving care… and give you peace..! Loving thoughts from the Lyon family..!