Rosemary Helean Fiorentino

Rosemary Helean Fiorentino, 92, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017, of natural causes. Rosemary was born on May 16, 1925, in St. Ignatius, to Robert and Gladys Helean (Morigeau). She attended the Ursuline School in St. Ignatius, and was further educated in the Missoula public schools.

She married Nick Fiorentino in Reno, Nevada, on November 3, 1942. They lived in the San Francisco Bay Area until Nick entered World War II September 1943. When the war ended, the couple moved to Missoula, later moving in 1961 to Polson.

Rosemary worked retail at the Missoula Drug in Missoula. After moving to Polson, she became involved with tribal social work, and served as a Tribal Judge. She was the first Native American to be appointed by the Governor to serve on the Montana Milk Board. At about normal retirement age for most people, Rosemary started making gold, silver and copper jewelry, which was sold regionally as well as in the Midwest. A serious car accident in 1995 curtailed her work. She volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Joseph Retirement Community, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Tribal Senior Center, and as a foster grandparent. She was also a St. Joseph Hospital Board Director.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Nick, her mother, father and three sisters, Patricia Salovich, Phyllis McKenna and Thelma Kruse.

Survivors include three daughters, Nikki (Denny) DesRosier, Helena, Barbara (Roger) Porch, Williams, Minnesota, Gina (Scott) Jones, San Antonio, Texas, and two sons Clark (Nancy) Fiorentino, Polson, and Mark (Dyan) Fiorentino, Missoula, two sisters, Jean Diehl, Helene Koehler, four brothers, Gerald Helean, Roy Wilbur, Pat Helean, Mike Helean, nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, six great great-grandchildren.

Our Mother was flamboyant, always interesting and will be missed by all.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 26, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.