Helen: A Wrencoe Treasure Passes On

Mary Thompson Brown and Sigrid Thompson Brannan with their mother Helen at the 2008 Women of Wisdom luncheon.  Helen Marie Burnstad Thompson was honored as one of Sandpoint's Women of Wisdom in 2001. 

Ever since that wintry February day in 1967, when we all stood side by side in the Thompson living room at Wrencoe, and  Probate Judge Frances Sleep asked George (never mind that his name is Mike) if he would take Mary Louise Thompson as his bride, our two large families have been connected.

So, we all experienced deep emotions,  running the gamut from loss to a life well lived,  when Mary's mother Helen passed away yesterday afternoon after 95 adventurous, productive and blessed years on this Earth. 

Soon after Helen's passing, the Facebook walls of family members lit up, sharing tributes to their mother, grandmother and lifetime inspiration.  

I have a feeling that a multitude of tributes and wonderful anecdotes will be shared far and wide for this lady who touched so many lives so positively throughout her years. 

A few decades ago, Helen Thompson, mother of seven,  was named America's Mother of the Year.  

That meant appearing on a "Good Morning America" segment. 

If I recall correctly, her son Mike accompanied her to the set.

Yesterday a friend told me about how, back in Sandpoint, the mayor gathered everyone at City Hall around a television set to watch. 

Great expectation ensued as the mayor watched the interview, waiting anxiously for the moment of supreme pride when  Helen would announce to America she was from Sandpoint.

"I'm from Wrencoe," Helen told millions of viewers. 

Sandpoint's claim to national fame would have to wait----trumped by Wrencoe, the little rural community a few miles to the west of what we now know of America's Most Beautiful Small Town.

Helen's fame was sealed, however----all around Sandpoint, Wrencoe, or wherever she went. 

Over the years, we "outlaws" united by the marriage of Mike and Mary,  have spent many a good time together, hiking, driving to mountain lakes,  sitting in the sun at the Thompson cabin, watching the next generations get acquainted.  

Many of us have shared a common love for horseback riding, for watching horse shows, for talking horses.  It's a lifelong family thing for both clans.

Helen would be proud to know that love of horses continues through the generations.  Horses were important to this independent proud woman who hailed from Burnstad, North Dakota.

Helen was always proud of her seven children---Jim, Mary, Mike, Chris, Beth, Sig and Kirsten.  

She had good reason.   All have lived stellar lives.  All contribute generously to their communities.  All carry on their Mother's love of learning.

Heck, I even heard that some Thompson sisters were playing Scrabble yesterday afternoon after saying good bye to their mom.  

Helen loved Scrabble. 

Helen so loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And, they all adored Grandma Helen. 

The Thompson clan is gathering and I'm sure they'll be organizing a proper celebration to honor their matriarch.  

Once again, the "outlaws" will spend some time together.  

I'm sure there will be many such lively and fun gatherings in the future.

And, as the years go by, Helen, A true "Wrencoe Treasure" will not be forgotten. 

RIP Helen Marie Burnstad Thompson. You did well.