Helen Marie Driscoll

Helen Marie Driscoll, 89, of Billings, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, with family at her side. Helen was born on Dec. 20, 1925, to William and Miriam Hayes in Brooklyn, N.Y. Helen was a big city girl who fell in love with Big Sky Country. Raised in New York City, Helen spent her summers on a ranch in Birney, Mont. Following her graduation from Manhattanville College, Helen made the journey west to Billings, where she met and married Bob Driscoll. Together, they raised five children. Being an original Manhattanite, Helen loved the arts, culture and history. Having a Montana heart, she connected with the natural beauty that she observed whenever she visited The West. Most especially, Helen loved sharing those things with friends and family. Fondest memories of time with Helen include visiting museums and monuments, watching live performances, and exploring the great state of Montana by car, boat, horse, skis or footpath. Helen's travels also took her to Europe, where she and Bob made lasting friendships. Helen's generosity of spirit extended beyond immediate friends and family. She also enjoyed time spent volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, Billings Chamber of Commerce and St. Pius X Catholic Church. She was known to keep an open door to neighborhood children, troubled youth and travelers of all types. Helen maintained her optimism, humor and patience until the end, and was always concerned with others before herself. As Helen would say, even in her final days: "Is everyone happy?" Yes, Mom. Everyone is happy! Helen is survived by sons Bill (Patty) Driscoll and Brian (Erin) Barnes-Driscoll; by daughters Robyn Driscoll (Skip Madison), Patty Driscoll and Milly (René) Rodriguez; by grandchildren Mindi Driscoll, Colin Barnes-Driscoll, Katey Driscoll, Tom Driscoll, Riley Barnes-Driscoll and Aidan Barnes-Driscoll; by great-grandchildren Robert Driscoll II and Grace Driscoll. She is preceded in death by husband Bob Driscoll; an infant son, Christopher Driscoll; and her sisters, Mary Jean Ashton and Mimi Pardo. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at St. Pius X Church. A luncheon will follow with the opportunity to share memories. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be sent to Angela's Piazza, Yellowstone River Parks Association or Billings Public Library.