Clear, 36° F
(June 8, 1930 - Oct. 5, 2015)
Helen Irene Franklin Mullaney, 85, passed away on a beautiful October 5th morning with her husband by her side. She spent her last days at home surrounded by her family and friends.
Helen Irene was born June 8, 1930, to Russell and Helen Franklin in Powell, Wyoming.
She grew up on a farm outside of Powell, Wyoming as the oldest of five children. She attended a country school at Sheet’s Flat. The family moved to Powell where she graduated from Powell High in 1949.
Helen Irene met Patrick Mullaney at a dance in Powell, Wyoming. They were married on April 19, 1951. After several moves due to Patrick’s promotions within JC Penney Company, they made their home in Laurel, Montana. There they stayed for almost 30 years, and raised their children. Helen Irene is survived by her six children, daughters, Christine Mullaney, Cynthia (Mike) Conner, Mary (Tim) Sickle, Marlene (Greg) Lambert and sons Stephen (Carol) Mullaney and Shawn Mullaney, and her 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Vaughn Castleberry, sister-in-law Donna Franklin and sister-in-law Sister Jane Francis. She loved her Wyoming heritage as part of the Franklin and Ballinger families in Powell and Cody.
Mom spent her days caring for her family. When her children were all at home, she sewed pajamas and dresses, she grew and canned vegetables and made delicious apple pies. After Pat retired, she spent wonderful years at their home in Roberts, Montana, where she planted, pruned and cared for 1,000s of Colorado Spruce trees used in landscaping in southwest Montana. During the winters, she enjoyed the community at Voyager Resort in Tucson, AZ.
She was a humble woman who never met a job she could not do.
A special thank you to Hospice, along with the wonderful women who made it possible for Mom to remain at home her last months.
Vigil Services were held on Wednesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Laurel. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Laurel. Lunch will be served following funeral mass in the parish hall.
Memorials in Helen’s name can be made to Riverstone Health Foundation (Hospice services), COR Enterprises in Billings (a disability services organization) or a charity of your choice.
