Helen M (LeBlanc) Britton, age 103 passed away Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Mitchell Care Center, Mitchell, Nebraska.
There will be no services at this time as cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life and graveside services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in the Crawford Cemetery, Crawford, NE. Memorial donations in her name can be sent to St. Jude’s or Crawford Fire Department. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Helen was born August 12, 1920 in Lusk, Wyoming to Anna A. LeBlanc and was raised by her grandparents George and Emma LeBlanc (momma), south of Crawford, Nebraska. Helen married Ralph L. Britton March 19, 1938. From this union Terry R., Robert (Bob) D., Marlene J. and Margie M. were born.
Most of her life was in the Crawford area and on her farm north east of Crawford. There she raised Jersey cows and chickens. The cream was shipped away by rail and the chickens and eggs were sold locally. She raised a big garden and canned all the vegetables for winter. Helen was a real Pioneer woman working very hard, balancing a successful farm and ranch operation and raising 4 children.
The moon was a very important part of her life, as there was a time to plant, a time to weed and a tie to wean calves. Later in life, in the evenings she would sit in her swing and study the moon. She kept those thoughts to herself and that was her happy time.
Later, she worked at various jobs until finding her passion, nursing at the Crawford hospital and then at the Chadron hospital as an aide. She had to leave nursing due to a cancer diagnosis. After many successful treatments she was able to embark on another passion, camping. She loved camping and traveling. Some of her preferred destinations were the Black Hills of South Dakota, Chadron State Park, Lake McConaughy and der favorite place, Fort Robinson. She traveled many miles in her pickup camper, going on many adventures which always brought her much joy. Sometimes, she would camp in her own yard when she couldn’t travel out of town.
Helen is survived by her daughters Marlene Keane of Gering, NE and Margie (Glenn) Nelson of Mead, NE; daughter-in-law Virginia Britton of Kearney, NE; sister-in-law Betty Moffatt of Crawford, NE; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her grandparents George and Emma, mother Anna, half-brother Clarence Moffatt, half-sister Evelyn Bowker, son Terry, son and daughter-in-law Robert (Bob) and Bonnie Britton and grandson John Duane Keane.
A special thank you to Mitchell Care nurses that helped care for her and to Lucy.