Guest Book 8

			Helen was born November 11, 1914, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. She was raised and educated in Billings, graduating from Billings Senior High School. In 1938, she married Bernie Bertelson in Billings; he died in 1970. She then married Edward Carleton Alexander the Episcopal Church in Great Falls in 1971; he died in 2009. Helen was employed in office administration for many years. She was the long term office manager for Prudential Insurance Company in Billings. Her most recent position was program administrator for The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) in Great Falls, from which she retired in the late 60’s. Helen had a lifelong commitment to community service. She was president of the Montana State Parent Teacher Association during her children’s growing years; president of The Statewide Heart Association during the 50’s; chairman of The State Milk Control Board during the 60’s and 70’s. She was appointed to the National Advisory Board of the Small Business Administration in Washington D.C. and the National Board of Score, an association of retired business executives, which advises new businesses. During the time period in her “retirement”, she also became the chairman of the board of the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, and a few years later, the president of the Great Falls Symphony Board, leaving lasting achievements for both groups. Her final community service, and one of which she was most proud, was her appointment as the Montana representative of the Federal Reserve Board for The Ten State Western Region. When she at last “retired”, in her 80’s, she was the vice chairman and chairman elect. Until recently, she attended various functions in the Helena office of the Federal Reserve Bank. Helen also enjoyed social occasions. She was a member of the P.E.O. sisterhood, a member of The Travel Club and an active member of the Meadowlark Country Club. In addition to her community service and active social calendar, Helen enjoyed reading, ballroom dancing and cooking. She especially loved special occasions with her family, and we all spent many wonderful holidays. She particularly enjoyed summers at her beloved cabin on Holland Lake. She will be greatly missed by all. Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Bari Lynn and Fred Gilliard of Sault St. Marie, MI; stepsons, John (Judy) Alexander of Fort Benton and Brian (Shirley) Alexander of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward C. Alexander and a son, Scott Allen Bertelson. Memorials are suggested to Great Falls Symphony, 11 3rd St N, Great Falls, MT 59401-3103, Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, 3911 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59401, or the charity of your choice.
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	An Independent, Family-Owned and Operated Funeral Home
	*Schnider Funeral Home*
	1510 13th Street South
	Great Falls, Montana 59405
	Phone: (406) 727-1368 ~ Fax: (406) 727-4668

	Email: Schnider Funeral Home

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