Helen Schweitzer McCann peacefully passed away May 22, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Havre, Montana in 1935 to her loving parents Anton and Elizabeth Schweitzer. Helen was 5th in a line of 12 siblings.

She grew up on the farm north of Rudyard. After graduating Rudyard High School, she worked as a telephone operator in Havre. There she met her husband, Joseph McCann. He was stationed at the Havre Air Force Station, north of Havre. They married and moved briefly to Joe’s hometown of Philadelphia.

While Joe was stationed in Alaska, Helen stayed with her parents in Montana. Their daughter Kathleen (Kathy) was born during this time.

Helen adapted very well to being a military wife for 20 years. They lived in Spokane, WA, Minot, ND, Trenton, NJ, Tampa, FL, Panama Canal Zone, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Melbourne, FL, where Joe chose to retire.

Helen was a stay-at-home mom until Kathy graduated and moved to Montana. Helen worked in an electronic manufacturing facility until her retirement.

While living in Melbourne, she discovered her passion for bowling. That lasted close to 50 years. She possessed many pins and patches to represent her bowling achievements.

After Joe passed, Helen returned to Montana to be close to her daughter and family. After being diagnosed with dementia, she moved into The Village Senior Residence. She was able to continue her independent lifestyle amongst a wonderful group of residents and employees.

Many thanks to Community Medical Center, Stillwater Hospice and The Village Senior Residence for their kind care.

Helen leaves behind her daughter Kathy (Kevin) Cahoon, grandson Corey (Jamie)Harden, granddaughters Rhianna Ruhkala, Vanessa (Chance) Barrett, great grand children Jaxson, Reecie, Cooper, Ellie, Ellis and Wells; sister Beverley Smith; brothers Richard Schweitzer, Don (Dodie) Schweitzer, Randy (Brenda) Schweitzer and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Joe, Lawrence, Leander, Willy, Ed, Marvin, and sister Leona Lakman. As well as many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on Saturday, June 13, at 10:00 am, followed by a reception. A committal service will be held the same day at 2:00pm at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Humane Society of Western Montana.