A light in our family has gone out and our hearts are broken. Our mother, our grandmother and our great grandmother, Helen Nancy Strong, has gone to be with God. She is preceded in death by her parents, Blandford and Mae Loretta Jones, her brother, Buck and Janet Jones and her husband, Dr. Thomas H. Strong.
Helen was born in Berwick, Pennsylvania in 1929. She graduated from nursing school in New York, after which she took a job at Harris Hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. It was there she met Dr. Thomas H Strong, a medical intern. They were married in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on May 22, 1955.
They moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where her husband started a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Maryland. Helen worked there as a registered
nurse. Their first child, Thomas Henry, Jr., was born in 1957, followed by Tammie Michelle in 1960.
In 1961, she and her husband moved to Butte, Montana, where Dr. Strong joined the Murray Clinic as their first obstetrician/gynecologist. Their third child, Melissa Ann (McCarthy) was born in 1965, followed by their last child, René Elena (Carter), in 1973.
In the early years in Butte, she participated in the Garden Club, as well as the Junior League, Soroptimist Club and volunteered at her kid’s school. She was active in the local Episcopal Church, St. John’s Episcopal. In later years, she became a member of Christ Church Anglican and Homer Club.
Her children and grandchildren were her heart. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when all of her children came home. Later in life she loved going to California to spend Christmas time enjoying the sunshine with Melissa and her family. She loved going out to eat with family and her friends. We will miss those conversations over her favorite Spanish omelette at the War Bonnet restaurant. She was always taking walks with her dogs. We went for miles! She loved animals and was always the advocate for the underdog.
She is survived by her son Thomas, daughters Tammie Strong, Melissa (David) McCarthy and René (Lee) Carter, grandsons Thomas Carter, Thomas Henry III Strong, David McCarthy, granddaughters Rebekah (Matthew) Crabtree, Madisson, Alexandria, Brooke McCarthy, Skylar Rhodes, Elena, Leigha, and Ava Carter and great granddaughter Vivian Crabtree.
For many many years she started every morning studying her bible and in prayer for her friends and family, especially her children and grandchildren. She loved Jesus with her whole heart. She is with Tom and her parents now free of pain and in God’s loving light.We miss you so much mom, your sense of humor, your kindness and love. Our anchor is gone but we know that all of her prayers are carrying us through. We love you so much, until we meet again, so long.
A memorial service planned by the church and family will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Christ Church Anglican, 1200 Texas Ave., Butte, MT 59701. Please contact the church for questions (406) 782-2887. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of our mom, Helen, are suggested to the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter or the Lewis and Clark Humane society.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Helena. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Helen and her family.
Ashleigh Preston says
Helen will be so missed but glad she’s finally free. It was truly an honor caring for her all these years. I will forever miss our milkshake dates and all the memories in between. She will always hold a very special place in my heart. Thinking of the entire Strong family. Rest easy, Beautiful ❤️💜🦋
Delaney Hasquet says
“My favorite person in the entire world. Just like she once said to me, “It has been so strange without you.” I am so lucky to have created such an amazing bond with Helen. I will forever miss our heart to hearts and gossip sessions. I hope heaven has endless strawberries, lipstick, milkshakes, and clothes. Until I see you again, I love you forever ♥️🦋
Shavon says
Sweet Helen now with Jesus ! Prayers for all! Such special soul! I had the privilege of doing her hair at the springs ! Loved our weekly visits! Special sweet lady ! Bless you all and Jesus peace released!
Nadia Crawford says
Helen will be greatly missed. She was a one of kind lady. I have so many fun memories. Doing her hair and watching Ross Bob and so many others. I am glad she is finally free but def a amazing lady. It was an honor to care for her. Prayers for her beautiful family. 🕊🦋💐
Sue Zeeck says
Helen was such a good friend of my mother,Gloria Burke. I remember the Strong family well. My condolences to all.
Sue Burke Zeeck
Norma B. Strong says
Alexis ,my husband and Toms youngest brother died last Dec,31,2021.The ones left are the children grandchildren, great grandchildren Alexis and I have one great great grandchild, now 5 years old, He was able to attend Paxtons 4th birthday last year. I am the last survivor of the Strong family, I am 92
. Goodbye Helen,, we love you , You are now with your Tom.. he is waiting for you.. you are together forever.. Much love ,,Norma Belloso Strong and family..