Helen Todd, 86

Helen "Cookie" Florence Todd, 86, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and free spirit, passed away leaving behind a legacy of warmth, dance, and cherished memories. Born in Anaconda, in 1939, Cookie carried the majestic spirit of Big Sky Country with her wherever she went.

For 65 wonderful years, Cookie was married to the love of her life, the late Robert L. "Bert" Todd III, who passed away in 2020. After leaving Rupert, Idaho, Cookie & Bert moved their family to the beautiful Bitterroot Valley of Montana. They spent a while in Hamilton and then Stevensville before eventually settling in Charlo, where Cookie spent the majority of her life.

Cookie absolutely adored being a teacher at Charlo High School, where she excelled in her work with special needs children, bringing patience, love, and dedication to her students. She also brought an extra spark of joy and flair to the community as a belly dancer.

Her time in Montana was always her favorite. Cookie loved her home deeply, and one of her favorite daily rituals was walking for exercise, beautifully carrying on conversations with her late husband, sharing the day's activities as if Bert were right by her side.

In 2025, following a serious injury to her ankle from a 4th of July firework accident, she moved to Sahuarita, Arizona, to be closer to specialized healthcare. Wherever she was, Cookie knew how to enjoy the fun things in life. She had a famous weakness for chocolate, thoroughly enjoyed a glass of white zinfandel wine, and always loved the excitement, lights, and energy of a trip to the casinos.

Above all, Cookie’s greatest joy came from her family. She loved all of her grandchildren deeply, bringing her signature warmth and fun to their lives.

We never truly know when our last moments on this earth will be, but Cookie’s final days were filled with the profound love of her family. Her last embrace was shared with her oldest son, Ed; her final dance was with her son, Kyle; and her last words of affection, a sweet "I love you," were given to her son, Bill, before passing.

Cookie is survived by her loving siblings, Rosalie Smith, Edna Aker, and Charles Bonner. Her vibrant memory will be forever carried on by her three sons and their families: Ed Todd of Polson; Bill Todd and Lee Dimmitt of Sedona, Arizona; and Kyle and Veronica Todd of Sahuarita, Arizona; as well as ALL her beloved grandchildren.

She is forever reunited at last with her beloved Bert, walking, dancing, and hitting the jackpot together once more.

Services will take place on Friday, July 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower Street, Missoula, MT 59804.

Celebration of Life to follow at the Todd Homestead in Charlo at 5:00 pm. We will gather to celebrate Mom's life and share stories and memories of our parents.  Food & Refreshments will be provided.