Helen Margaret (McGowan) Brophy went to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at the age of 79 in Post Falls after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Thomas and Margaret McGowan.

Her family then moved to Bothell, Wash. Helen's mother passed away when she was only 15 years old. Her dad was a Brigadier General in the US Army and moved Helen and her sister Patty to Japan where she celebrated her 18th birthday. They moved back to the Seattle area where she graduated from high school. Helen went to work for Pacific Bell Phone Co. as a phone operator. She went to a USO dance where she met the love of her life, Thomas (Tim) Brophy, a US Navy pilot. After corresponding with Helen for three months, they wed in Kodiak, Alaska. They moved to Montana, where their four children were born. In 1973, they moved to Porthill, ID, to farm and then down to the Hayden area in 1988.

Helen attended NIC and graduated in 1990 with an AAS degree in Para-legal secretary. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, canning, Zags basketball, and the Seattle Mariners. Helen will be remembered for her beautiful smile, strength and courage, and her most loving heart. She was preceded in death by husband Tim (2009).

She is survived by her sister Patty Fowler, Seattle, Wash.; sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Dubay and Ardith Holefelder of Great Falls, Mont.; her children Colleen and John Eyrich, Spokane, Wash.; Mary Helen and Dave Peters, Post Falls, ID; Thomas Brophy and Mark Palsson, Bremerton, Wash.; and Timothy Brophy, Post Falls; 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Helen will be greatly missed by the many that knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at St. Thomas Church, Coeur d'Alene. Burial will follow at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene. Following graveside services, a gathering will be held at Mary Helen's home, 4294 W. Pleasant Lane, Post Falls.

Please sign Helen's guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.