Mrs. Helen Elizabeth "Nell" Thomas passed away on Saturday evening in Genesis Health and Rehabilitation Center. On August 29, 1921, twins were born to William and Katherine Sweeney. After 4 days of life, the larger male twin, Willy, expired. With the assistance of her father, an oven door, and the cream off the top of the milk bottle, the smaller twin, Helen, survived and thrived. Thus began the life of spunky Helen Sweeney, known to many as Nell from her precarious beginnings; a bright life force emerged.

Nell became an energetic mother of four, a devoted wife, a loyal friend, and an unfailing volunteer. Nell was well known for her snazzie outfits, her love of high jinks, and her, stiletto heeled, red fashion boots. To quote Father Haffey, "If Heaven is boring; it won't be when she gets there."

Nell attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from Girls Central High School in 1940. In 1943 she married Samuel John Thomas in San Francisco, California. Together, they raised four children; daughter, Nancy Jean; sons, Bill, Sam and Joe Pat. Nell took great pride in her children's accomplishments.

Nell was a staunch member of St. Joseph's Parish. She was also a member of the Women's Parish Council, from which sprang the St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef and Cabbage feed and lampoon fund raiser. Nell participated in the life of her Catholic faith as a Eucharistic Minister for many years and was an active member in the Daughter's of Isabella She was part of a Spiritual Renewal Group and attended many faith gatherings. She lived her faith with commitment and joy.

In addition to her parish service, she volunteered at the Butte Food Bank, the Lady of the Rockies, St. James Healthcare, and prepared and served lunch for the homeless at the Salvation Army.

Nell enjoyed good times with family and friends. She spent many happy days in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her daughter and grandchildren … great shopping there. The highlight of her life was a family trip to Hawaii with her son Bill and his "Thomas Family Gorgeous". She spent her last days, quietly, at Canyon Ferry Lake, under the tender care of Bill and Debbie Thomas, and her granddaughter, Tara.

Nell spent great times with her son, Joe Pat, and his family at Whidbey Island, Washington, and later at Georgetown Lake. Some of the best times were spent watching her grandson, Zac entertain the masses at the Covelite Theater and reveling in the writings her grandson, Danilo. Again, in her later years she was blessed to have the loving care and good humor of Joe Pat and Margie Thomas.

Nell traveled to Ireland, and many other exciting places, with her jolly crew of friends. It was all a hoot.

Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; son, Samuel John Thomas, Jr.; grandson, Cory Louis Korosi; her parents, Bill and Kate Sweeney; brothers, Kevin, Dan, Jim "Coach Sweeney", and Bill, and her son-in-law, Rick Foote She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jean Foote; sons, Bill (Debbie) and Joe Pat (Margie); grandchildren, Lesley (Gary) McDowell, Tara (Jack) Walsh, Christina (Jonathan) Lane, Zac (Marcie) Thomas, and Danilo (Ashley) Thomas; and great-grandchildren, Hayley and Chelsea McDowall, Alexa and Mercinda Walsh, Brayden Hudson, Kennedy Lane, and baby Padgett Thomas. She is also survived by her sisters; Mary Watters and Jean Williams, sisters-in-law Jean Broady Sweeney and June Sweeney; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our appreciation for the care and kindness afforded our mother by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Taras and all the staff, both past and present at the Finlen Hotel, where she lived for 20 years. To the caregivers at Genesis, our thanks for the compassion and understanding given to our mother, in the last months of her life. Last, but not least, to our mother's friend and companion, Mickey Miller, without whom she wouldn't have been able to stay at her home as long as she did … thank you.

Friends are asked to join the family on Tuesday after 5:00 PM in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel. Parish Vigil will be recited at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Wednesday at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Butte Food Bank, or the Lady of