Helen Pawlowski
December 11, 1937 - May 16, 2020
Obituary
Helen Marie Lizotte was born on December 11, 1937 to Stephen and Bertha Lizotte in Belcourt, ND. She passed away in her daughter's arms at Riverstone Hospice in Billings on May 16, 2020 after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer. Mom's family moved to Poplar, Montana when her father found work at the Ault Ranch. That is where she met and married Raymond Hagadone. They had two children, Douglas Wayne and Julie Ann. After their divorce, Helen bravely moved with her small children to the big city of Billings to begin a new life for them. She went to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs starting in an entry level position. Because of her integrity and incredible work ethic, she moved up the ranks and in 1987 retired as the Administrative Officer for the Fort Peck Tribe and first female Acting Superintendent of a Reservation in the State of Montana. After retirement, Mom moved to Hardin to be near her mother. It was while living in Hardin that she met her life's love, David Conroy. Mom and David had only 14 years together, but those years were filled with love, happiness and adventure. Mom gained a whole new family through David and many happy memories were made at brandings, large annual camping events in the Snowies, gatherings at the Lodge Compound in the Pryor Mountains and wintering in Quartzsite, AZ. Sadly, we lost David due to complications of dementia on January 1, 2014. After David passed, mom finally gave in to repeated requests and agreed to move to Billings to be closer to us. She made it clear however, that she would not be giving up her independent ways! Everyone who knew mom was keenly aware of her incredible strength and fierce independence; she remained so until the last 5 months of her life when cancer refused to loosen its ugly grip. We have cherished our time with her. Rest in Peace, sweet lady. Survivors include Daughter Julie Bare; Grandchildren Matthew Frank, Kortney (Josh) Carter and Shaun Marie Bare; Great Grandchildren Kruiz and Knox. Bonus Children: Marlo (Mary) Conroy, Kirk (Rochelle) Conroy and Tara Hope; Grandchildren Connor, Kyle, A.J., Shelby, Alycia, Ashlie, Cassady, Madison and Camden; Great Grandchildren Kaisen and Grayson. Mom was preceded in death by her son Doug, parents Stephen and Bertha Lizotte, Life Partner, David Conroy and brothers Raymond, Larry and Patrick. Special thanks to Dr. Cobb and the Gyn Oncologists at Billings Clinic for providing exceptional and expert care for Mom. Our family will be forever grateful for the kind and skilled care of the In-Patient Cancer Nurses at Billings Clinic and the compassionate care of the Nurses at Riverstone Hospice. A private family burial is planned. If you wish, memorials may be made to Riverstone Hospice or NAIMI.
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Memories
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Linda Bjerklie
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My deepest sympathy to all of Helen's loved ones, I regret that I never got to meet Helen, but the stories told by Tara Hope of such a strong woman warmed my heart. I am Camden's Grandma, and I know he considered her his Grandma as well. Rest in Peace, Helen. You are now with those loved ones who were waiting for you in Heaven.
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TL Hagadone
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Julie. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve in the losing of you Mother. "Little Helen" as she was known when married to your dad was very pretty and always smiling as she got along with the family. Every now and then when I would see her at the Poplar Legion it was always a pleasant conversation. May she rest in peace. And Julie you will always be my cousin. God bless you. TL Hagadone
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Louise Doyle
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Julie, I was so sad to read about your mom passing. She was as beautiful inside as she was outside. I have wonderful memories of the good times we shared, as co-workers, and when I was so blessed to have been a part of your family. Please know that I am thinking of all of you at this most difficult time. Love and prayers, Louise Doyle
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Tara
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She was strong. She was brave. Her love, fierce. Helen has been a mom to me for 20 years. She gave me emotional support, guidance, and love. She doted on and loved the grandkids. Helen was a wonderful partner to my dad. (She spoiled him😉) I loved watching them interact. His goofy faces to make her laugh. The gentle stroke on the cheek she would always give him. The looks they would give each other, the laughs they shared. Watching them get up and dance in the shop, just because. Their love was truly beautiful and a model for others to follow. We will cherish so, so many beautiful memories of Helen. So many laughs. So much love and even some tears. She definitely made an impact on my family. She will never be forgotten. She will forever be loved.
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Marlo Conroy
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Many years ago we suffered the tragic loss of our Mother. I remember coming home to visit our Father and I could feel the emptiness in his life and in our home. Nothing was the same. Then Helen came into our lives and it was evident early on that our Father had found a new Love and Friend. We accepted that Helen made our Father happy but as we got to know her more we realized what an exceptional person she was. She was funny, wickedly smart, and a great conversationalist. In no time she was part of our family. Coming home again felt like truly coming home. She was always a great hostess, and would spend hours visiting and laughing with us. There are memories of those times and many fun adventures that will not be forgotten. We admired Helen for her strength and determination, especially as she insisted on caring for our Father as he developed dementia. She single handedly provided care for him for years until it was clear that he needed a higher level of care. . After he passed Helen stayed in our family home for a few years, and when we came home to visit she always made it feel like we were still at home. Helen loved her family and we were fortunate that she shared her love with our family. She will truly be missed. All our Love. Marlo, Mary, Connor, Christine, and Grayson
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Brandyn
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Helen was a cherished soul to my parents and to me. I have so many wonderful memories of Helen. We were all so thankful when she came into our lives. She will be forever missed. I'm sure she is rejoicing in Heaven with Uncle David...my parents and all those who are truly in a better place. I will never forget her double back flip😊love you Helen! Brandyn G and family