- Date Of Birth: October 25, 1939
- Date Of Death: January 11, 2023
- State: Montana
Helen Dianne “Helie” Varelia, 83, of Anaconda entered into eternal life on January 12, 2023. She was born October 25, 1939, in Anaconda to Joseph and Dorothy (Huestis) Varelia. She attended St. Paul’s Grade School and graduated from Anaconda Central High School in 1957.
Helen never married and was very independent. Her independence and strength were greatly admired by her friends and family. She was employed by the State Auditor in Helena from 1959 to 1963; Drs. Harper, Strizich & McMahon from 1963 to 1966; Veterans Administration Center at Fort Harrison from 1966 to 1976; MSU College of Nursing from 1976 to 1983 on the Butte and Great Falls Campuses; and Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls from 1986 until her retirement in 2003.
Helen loved the color pink, butterflies, and the ocean. Her home speaks of the joy she found in these symbols. She relished working in the yard and puttering around on various projects. For many years her beloved pup, Nikki, was a constant presence at her side.
One cannot remember Helie without also remembering the depth of her faith in God and her love of His Church. In her final hours, her heart was joyful and at peace with the knowledge she would soon be with her Lord and reunited with her family, especially her dear cousin Joan who preceded her in death by just over a month. Helen said they still had many adventures ahead in Heaven.
Her special friends since High School days, Sister Mary Agnes Hogan and Carol Mulholland were an important part of Helen’s life with whom she shared many precious memories.
Helen is survived by a sister-in-law, Carole, and niece Karole Bender of Oregon; and nephew Jon of Utah. She is also survived by numerous cousins including Joseph “Jim” Duffy of Westerville, OH, and Helen Duffy of Carnation, WA; and former sister-in-law Maddy Vanisko of West Richland, WA.
