Helen Louise Dunbar peacefully passed away on Sept. 17, 2024, at home in Helena, Mont., with her loving husband of 70 years and her daughters at her side. Helen was born Aug. 8, 1932, in Burns, to James and Ina (Cronin) McDonnell. She was the eldest of three girls. She grew up in Burns, graduating as Valedictorian of the 1950 class of Burns Union High School.  She went to Eastern Oregon College of Education and attained a two-year certificate in Secretarial Sciences. 

She returned to her hometown and worked for attorneys in Burns, including the Harney County District Attorney.  

On her 20th birthday, she was with some girlfriends and stopped at the drive-in restaurant where her sister Cecelia worked. Bill Dunbar was there with a friend and Cecelia pointed out her sister (Helen) and told Bill it was her birthday. Bravely, Bill walked over and wished her a “Happy Birthday” and that began a 72 year courtship and 70 years of marriage.

They were married on June 5, 1954 at Holy Family Church in Burns. On June 7, 1954, Bill graduated from Oregon State College with a BS in Civil Engineering and was hired by the Bureau of Public Roads as a Junior Engineer. Together, they embarked on a three year training program consisting of highway construction engineering which took them to Washinton State, Oregon, Alabama, Illinois and Washington DC. Their first home was a small house trailer which moved with them throughout the country. In 1955, daughter Maureen joined in the adventure, safely tucked in a converted cabinet drawer/baby crib. They returned to Portland, and built a home with the unending support of Bill’s father. Daughter Susan joined the family in 1957, followed by Mary in 1960. Shortly after finally living in the “new home”, Bill was offered the opportunity to relocate to Helena, Mont. to expand his career with the Federal Highways Administration. They planted their roots deep in Helena. Their family embraced the birth of Jim in 1962 and Patty in 1964, completing the group. She was a loving wife, amazing mother and loving grandmother.

Helen would study maps of western Montana and weekends frequently included hair-raising trips in the green Willy’s Jeep to remote ghost towns, hidden lakes and terrifying jeep roads. She could pull a picnic together in a flash and off they went to learn more about their adopted state. Helen possessed an almost encyclopedic knowledge of birds and plants of Montana and Oregon.  Her eastern Oregon upbringing served her well as the mastered the dry climate and short growing season of Helena with beautiful flower gardens.

Helen’s excellent secretarial skills and work ethic created opportunities for her to work numerous legislative sessions in the 1970’s, culminating in several sessions working for Gordon McOmber, president of the Senate. She mastered the secret language of Gregg’s Shorthand. Helen worked for the Office of Public Instruction (OPI), ultimately retiring from that job. She was a strong supporter of the League of Women Voters and was a familiar face as an election judge.  

Helen and Bill created endless opportunities for the family to enjoy the outdoors. Backpacking, camping, hiking and skiing, she was always up for a challenge.  

In retirement, Helen found the time to allow her creative talents to flourish. She created beautiful quilts, handmade dolls, painting, cross stitch and embroidery, leaving a wonderful legacy with each creation.  

When Bill retired, they bought a camper, which was about the size of their first home, and set about exploring Montana with their close friends, the Williams, Anders and Champions, enjoying the empty campgrounds during the week.  

Helen instilled the love of learning in her children. Teaching them to cook, bake and sew.  She was a Camp Fire leader for her daughters and a Cub Scout leader for Jim.

She treasured her grandchildren, taking the time to learn about their lives and share her creative talents.  She made cookies with them and taught them to play cards. Mostly, she shared the gift of conversation and laughter around the kitchen table.

The Dunbars are one of the first families who joined the newly constructed St. Mary Catholic Community in 1965.  

Even as her body started to fail her, she remained a loving and engaging soul.

Helen is proceeded in death by her parents; her beloved sisters, Cecilia Carroll and Mary Bishop; her son, Jim; and great-grandson, Anthony. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years; brother, Joe Collins; brother-in-law, Ken Dunbar; daughters, Maureen (Larry) Cole, Susan (Ardine) Bjerke, Mary (Brad) Rogers, Patty (Russ) Rowsey; daughter-in-law, Jackie Dunbar; and numerous nieces and a nephew.  She is the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grands (soon to be 15, with “Itty Bitty” Rowsey set to join the family soon).  

Special thanks to our father, Bill Dunbar, who showed us every day what the promise to love “in sickness and in health” really means by caring for our mother these past years. Helen’s family would like to thank her compassionate hospice caregivers.  With their help, she remained at home surrounded by the family she loved.  

Helen’s life will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Community in Helena. Mass will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon and graveside gathering at Resurrection Cemetery. 

In Helen’s honor, please bake a batch of cookies from scratch and share them. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to continue Parkinson’s research.