Helen Arlene Leishman

Helen Matt Leishman was born on June 8, 1934, to Sonny and Armenia Matt, in St. Ignatius, Montana. She was the eldest daughter of a large family of 13 children and was affectionately known as “Sister” by her siblings and several childhood friends. She attended schools in St. Ignatius and Spokane.

After graduation, she was working as a nurse's aide when she met Gene Leishman. They married in August 1954, and after a handful of different homes, they settled to raise 6 children at their Charlo farm.

Helen was known as friendly, fun, and creative. A farmer friend once commented that ‘with some duct tape and baling twine Helen could fix anything!’. She was always making something, sewing something, crocheting something. Even on her last day, her hands were busy. She especially enjoyed her yearly ‘sister reunion’. As adults, all 9 of her sisters and self gathered. She would bring home crafts made to share with us as well as stories.

She was proud to be a member of the Salish and Kootenai tribes. She worked for many years in several tribal service programs. She enjoyed what she did and frequently spoke of people she met through her work. She retired around 1995.

She left this world to join her parents; her husband, Gene; her son, Dean; her daughter ,Luann; her granddaughter, Jenny; her brothers, Clifford, Merle and Maynard; and her youngest sister, Penny. She is survived by daughters, Marie (Len) Peterson of Pablo, MT, Patricia (John) Graham of Rantoul, IL, Mary (Butch) Marvin of Big Arm, MT; son, Ron of Charlo; 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind 7 Sisters (Thelma, Joyce, Edie, Zilia, Bunny, Jan and Marlene) and 1 brother (Ron).

Thank you to all who loved and helped Mom in her long life. She is going to be missed.