Helen Christine Lee

Helen Christine Jacobsen Lee 90 of Missoula, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at the Bee Hive Assisted Living of natural causes.

Helen was born on December 15, 1935 in Great Falls, MT to Carl Christian Jacobsen and Margaret Jane (Button) Jacobsen. As a young girl, she grew up in Carter and attended elementary school. She graduated from Fort Benton High in 1953 as the class valedictorian. She continued her education at Montana State University and obtained her BSN and Master of nursing and a PhD in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. Helen held many different positions during her career as a nurse even working as a operating room staff nurse in Denmark. From 1976 to 1997, Helen was an Assistant/Associate Professor for Montana State University on the Great Falls campus and Missoula campus where she eventually became the campus director. She was a respected authority in her field and a trusted mentor to those fortunate enough to learn from her.

On June 21, 1971 she married Sanford Oliver Lee at the Carter Methodist Church. They shared 15 years together before his death in 1986.

Helen enjoyed sewing and quilting. She was a perfectionist. Her family members are blessed with beautiful quilts and wall hangings. Helen also enjoyed traveling with friends and family. From Alaskan cruises to Costa Rica and many places in Europe, she was always up for an adventure.

Helen was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missoula for many years. She was a Stephens Minister and also made baptismal cloths for the children. She loved attending service on Sundays, but when it got to hard to manage, she watched the service on YouTube. The members of the congregation were loyal visitors to Helen the past few years. The family was happy she had such a wonderful church family.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Sanford, her parents, a brother Everett Jacobsen and sister Margaret Baldwin.

Survivors include sister, Barbara Troisi of Logan, Utah; brother Robert Jacobsen of Carter, MT, nephew Allyn (Mary) Troisi of Kingsburg, CA and niece Debra (Wayne) Clark of Carter, MT. Plus many great nieces and nephews.

Per Helen’s request, cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest next to her husband and Mother at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls, MT.