Mary Helen Doyle

Mary Helen Bartley Doyle, a woman of extraordinary resilience and quiet strength, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 11, 2026. Helen was exceptionally beautiful, both inwardly and outwardly, and she loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.

Helen was born in Great Falls, Montana, to Michael Joseph Bartley and Helen Valentine Seifert, joining her two older brothers, Leo and Jim. At just six years old, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of both parents within months of each other. She and her brothers were lovingly raised by their devoted grandmother. Though Helen endured tremendous loss and abandonment throughout her life, her spirit never sought pity nor complained. Instead, she chose to look toward the light, focusing on her blessings rather than her trials, shining as though she were the luckiest woman on earth. Helen defied medical expectations many times over the course of her life. She viewed her survival not with arrogance, but with quiet acceptanc, simply as a matter of fact. In September, she celebrated her 90th birthday, a milestone her family cherished and could only hope she would reach.

Helen took great pride in her appearance. No matter how she felt, she began each day with her makeup and pink lipstick applied and her brightest smile in place. She always selected the perfect outfit, complete with matching earrings, shoes, and purse. Strangers frequently stopped her to tell her how beautiful she was. Yet her true beauty came from within. Her kindness and grace drew people to her, and she made friends wherever she went - during her 15 years as an insurance underwriter, at OLR church, in the grocery store, among neighbors, at her Assisted Living, and with the families of her children's and grandchildren's friends. Her heart, though broken at times, gave freely even when she had little left to give. She shared warmth and compassion even when she was struggling herself. And she had a way of offering the love and kindness of being a lifelong friend, even to complete strangers.

What defined Helen most was her love. She loved her family fiercely, supporting her aunts and cousins, forming lasting relationships with her nieces and nephews early in their lives, and faithfully calling or sending birthday cards to every family member. The light of her life arrived with the birth of her daughter, Bethany, whom she loved and provided for without end. She welcomed Chris into the family with open arms and an open heart. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. Helen cared for them, supported their every endeavor, and celebrated their every accomplishment. She loved them wholeheartedly, and they returned that love endlessly. To know Nana was to feel loved, and that was the greatest gift she gave her grandchildren. Her unwavering love shaped who they are today. In her final months, Helen was sustained by the joyful anticipation of her first great-grandchild, due this June.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Bethany, and son-in-law, Chris; her grandchildren, Hannah (Kevin Banick) and Parker (Mayson Schaff); her nieces and nephews; and her extended family, as well as countless friends. She leaves behind a community made better simply by her presence.

Special thanks to the many friends and family members who showed up for Helen, surrounding her with love and support, especially during the past few years, when she needed it most.