Helen Julia Thomas

Helen J. Thomas, 85, passed away at her home in Anaconda, MT on January 1, 2026, surrounded by family.

Helen was born on December 13, 1940, the oldest of three children to Daniel McCarthy and Sylvia (White) McCarthy Stevens. Daniel passed away when Helen was a young child. Walter Stevens married her mother and was a wonderful stepfather to Helen and her siblings. Helen was joined by sister Diane Saffell and brother Jim McCarthy.

The family lived on Fourth Street near family and friends. She attended St. Paul’s school through junior high school and graduated from Anaconda Central High School in 1958. Following graduation, Helen attended Carroll College earning her Registered Nursing degree. Helen returned to Anaconda and married her high school sweetheart, Gene Thomas on September 30, 1961. They were married for over 64 years.

Helen worked at Montana State Hospital as a Registered Nurse and then a nursing supervisor for over 33 years. She later volunteered on the involuntary medications review board for the hospital.

Helen and Gene had two children, John and Karen and later welcomed daughter-in-law, Sharon and son-in-law, Vernon.

Helen never missed her kids’ football, basketball game or downhill ski race. She learned to ski at Wraith Ski Hill where the family spent many weekends together with family and friends. Helen enjoyed many family vacations including annual trips to Yellowstone with Gene. She and Gene loved to travel to visit Diane and Bernie Saffel, John and Sharon and Karen and Vernon.

Helen enjoyed her time with family and friends, especially her Canasta friends. She enjoyed her rides around town and to Georgetown Lake. If you were on her route, know that you were in her heart. She enjoyed hosting “garage parties”, and her sweetie pies were the best. Helen enjoyed going to “garage parties” at Cindy and Terry Vermeire’s, particularly during football games, so she could hear the excitement and dinners at Dan Thomas’ house. Helen’s favorite meal was John Durkin’s pork chops.

Helen was a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. She lovingly earned the nickname “Mean ol’ Helen” from the men’s AOH and wore this nickname proudly.

Helen was well-known for telling family and friends to call her for a ride home no matter the time of day if they were enjoying a night out. She answered many calls without judgement.

Helen was an active member of the Anaconda Catholic Community where she consistently attended mass and provided desserts for bereavement lunches. Helen was adamant the family attended church, even when at Disney Land.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, brother Jim McCarthy (Nancy). Helen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gene, children John (Sharon) of Helena and Karen (Vernon) of Arco, Idaho, sister Diane (Bernie) Saffell, numerous nieces and nephews and good friends Sharon and Don Nelson.

Funeral services will be held on January 13, 2026, and will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Anaconda, MT. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery with a luncheon at Holy Family Church to follow.

Donations can be made to the Anaconda Catholic Community, the AOH Carroll College scholarship fund, or the donor’s choice.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Helen and her family.