Beatrice May Helean

Beatrice May Helean

In Loving Memory of Beatrice "Bea" May Helean, born on May 14, 1936, at St. Pat Hospital in Missoula, MT, passed away on March 23, 2024, in Missoula, Montana.

Bea was raised in Clinton, MT, as the only child of Mildred and Charles Swartz. As a child, she embraced life fully as a cheerleader in grade school and later graduating from Missoula County High School as a proud Spartan.

On August 18, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry Helean, sharing the same anniversary as her beloved parents. Their early married years were spent up in the Fish Creek logging camp. Their union blessed them with three wonderful sons: Mark, Greg, and Mike.

Bea was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a passionate supporter of her boys in their sports. She was a familiar face on the sidelines, cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm and pride. Through the years, you would often find Bea sitting next to Larry at various University of Montana football and basketball games as season ticket holders for years.

She had a deep love for the lake as a member of the Flathead Salish-Kootenai tribe, often finding solace and joy at Indian Bay on Flathead Lake and later at their cherished family cabin on Queens Bay. In her professional life, she held various positions, including Al Ham Photography, Clown Town, and Morrow's Nut House. Eventually, she became a partner with Art Mandel, owning the Dairy Queen on Brooks Ave, where she was known as a "boss lady." Often keeping Larry in check from eating all the product.

Known for her impeccable taste and love for aesthetics, Bea took great pride in her home decor, creating a warm and inviting space for her family and friends. Her dedication to her family was unmatched, and she was an ever-present source of support and love to her grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than when her great-grandchildren came to visit whom she adoringly referred to as her "babies."

Bea was passionate about supporting causes close to her heart, notably the fight to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Her compassion and sacrifice for this cause was clear in her support, and her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Bea is survived by her loving husband, Larry Helean; her devoted sons: Mark (Julene) Lehi, UT, Greg (Kathryn) Kirkland, WA, and Mike (Lisa) Missoula, MT; her only two granddaughters: Tessa and Taylor, as well as her six grandsons: Dan, Ryan, Jason, Andrew, Chad, and Thomas, and of course her cherished great-grandchildren: Cooper, Ava, Allie, Miller, Easton, Livie, Fiona, Reed, and Griffon.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will live on in the countless hearts she touched with her love and warmth. The family expresses their deep gratitude for those family and friends that contacted and cared for her over her final months and the wonderful caregivers at The Springs as well as Hestia.

A celebration of Bea's life will be held April 6, 2024, from 1-3pm at Red's Bar 217 S. Ryman St., Missoula, MT 59802. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity of your choice in her honor.