Betty Jane Carlson

Betty Jane Carlson, age 95, passed away in the early hours of Friday, April 9, 2021, at Benefis Peace Hospice. Per her request, there will be no public funeral or memorial service. Betty was born on February 14, 1926, to Martha and George “Harry” Brockway in Helena, Montana. She graduated in 1944 from Helena High School. She married James Hand and had two children, James Thomas and Pamela Lee. Betty and James divorced in 1950. Betty later worked in Helena National Bank where she met Gordon Brooks Carlson. The couple married in 1994 and had four children, Claudia, David, Cristy, and Morris. Sadly, the girls died of natural causes shortly after birth. Betty dedicated her early life to raising her children and being a supporting wife. Like her mother before her, she was incredibly patient, sweet, and supportive, but firm, an awesome listener, friend and counselor with enough spirit to bring the family back into reasonable alignment when necessary. After raising their children, Betty returned to work with Gordon, managing hotels in Montana and Washington State. After their retirement, they were heavily involved in the Moose Club in Helena. Betty is remembered as a vibrant, active, sweet, and fun-loving gramma, sister, aunt, and friend who loved life and enjoyed all the people, places, and pets that surrounded her. She was always eager to travel, visit new places, and experience new things. She was a wonderful cook and loved to try new food experiences, especially candy and fudge. She was especially fond of the yearly extended family reunion in Idaho where the family refreshed loving relationships, visited for days, terrorized the slots, and laughed until they cried…a lot. Betty was preceded in death by her mother and father; brothers, William “Bill,” Richard “Dick,” Jack, and James “Jim” Brockway; daughter-in-law, Marie Carlson; and son-in-law, Del Grote. Betty is survived by son, Tom of Helena; daughter, Pam of Great Falls; son, Dave (Gail) of Ft. Worth, TX; son, Mo of Great Falls; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Betty’s passing came very suddenly. She was a bright and shining star until the end. She will be missed and loved forever. Memorial contributions or donations may be made to Peace Hospice of Montana (1101 26th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405) in the name of Betty Carlson.