Helen Josephine Watson

Helen Josephine (Painter) Watson passed away peacefully in her home on March 13, 2023.

Helen was born on March 5, 1947, in Hot Springs, South Dakota.  She was born at a time when the world was tough, but it was also more caring.

Helen was a pioneer in many ways, she was the 5th out of 10 children born to Preston and Marion Painter, who were cattle ranchers in and around the Black Hills of South Dakota. Helen didn’t experience electricity until she was 8 years old.

Helen graduated from Lead High school and continued her education at Black Hills State College, where she met her husband James (Jim) Watson. They were just shy of celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary.

In pursuit of a better life for their family, Jim and Helen moved many times before finally planting their roots in Boise. For 3o years Helen was a purchasing agent for the Federal government. Helen was one of the thousands of unseen and unsung heroes that work at the National Interagency Fire Center, coordinating and fighting wildfires for all the United States.

Helen was a teacher, who was always teaching. Teaching knowledge and perspective and she had a deep-seeded care for everyone, every person she ever met. She prepared her children to deal with life in every tough situation with care, compassion and a stubborn will to fight for what is right. She was smart, tough and caring with an extremely sneaky sense of humor. I am quite certain that her unique perspective towards life led her to even enjoy the benefits of being hard of hearing. Thank God we shall forever hear your laugh.

Helen is survived by her husband Jim, children Lester (Shari), Jack, Erin and Lincoln, brothers Dick (Claire), Ned, sisters Ruth (Lee), Carol (Jerry) and all of these wonderful grandchildren whom she cherished: Amanda(Dylan), Alyx, Lesleigh (Dylan), Tayler, Lauren (Gavin), Matthew, Caleb, Emma, Abby and Myles. She is also survived by many friends of the people listed above, who are too numerous to name. She loved and cared for and was the mother and grandmother to us all. Many of her grandchildren and friends called her O-Gma, which touched her beyond belief.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Preston and Marion, son Matthew Squire, grandson Cade Mikhail, brothers Daniel, Robert (Jan), sisters Cathy (Dick), and Mary.

Services for Helen will be held on Thursday March 23rd, 2023 starting at 1pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 12040 W. Amity Rd. Boise, ID 83709.