Comments on: Irene Kathryn Duke, age 87, of Helena https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/ Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:07:56 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Erin Snyder https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490578 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:07:56 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490578 Karyn and Kim, Your mom was a loving spitfire, and I will miss her. Along with other beloved ladies from BCBSMT, we enjoyed many years of birthday lunches with much laughter and showers of gifts. We called her Reenie instead of Queenie. She loved talking about you and her grandchildren — she was so proud of all of you and blessed by you. Please accept my sympathy as you grieve your mom.

]]> By: Dara Anderson https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490570 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:42:21 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490570 I was so sad to hear of Irene’s passing, I absolutely adored her! We worked together at BCBS and had so many laughs. She was an amazing cook! I still make her puppy chow, peanut butter fudge, and sweetie pie recipes. She brought rum balls to a work Christmas party once and I felt a little buzzed after eating 2! She would also bring in apples and we would have regular “appy hours”. I always thought she had such great style for a gal older to me :0). She told me once that she loved Dacre so much and couldn’t imagine ever living without him. She talked alot about her daughters, grandkids and grand puppies and her love for her family. She made me feel like a daughter but little did she know she was one of my best friends at work. Karen, Kim and family my deepest condolences- Queenie will be missed!

]]> By: John & Cherie Dahl https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490565 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:11:52 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490565 🙏🙏]]> Irene was a special lady that I enjoyed working with at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family 🙏🙏🙏

]]> By: Doug Finstad https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490563 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:56:08 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490563 Kim and Karyn, I am so sorry for your loss. She was always so nice to me when I was young.

]]> By: Linda Joy Wollitz https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490552 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:03:40 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490552 I worked with Irene for many years at BCBSMT. She was a hard worker and fun to be around. She shared lots of her home made Carmels & Peanutbutter Fudge with us all. I was fortunate to visit her a few months ago. She knew me right away & we had a great time reminiscing.
I give all your family my condolences. Irene will be truly missed

]]> By: elaine tuffli https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490550 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:35:47 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490550 She was one of a kind. Never saw her anything but smiles. So very nice. I am also a bcbsmt retiree. So sorry your loss.

]]> By: Maggie (Ernst) Mccartney https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490543 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:29:54 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490543 Kim and Karyn, I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I hadn’t seen her in a few years. I love her picture; she was a really cute little old lady! We had good years working together with wonderful Dr. Amicucci. RIP dear Irene.

]]> By: Jackie Fuller https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490541 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:41:33 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490541 ]]> Queenie, I will also remember your huge heart and wonderful smile During the holiday season I will cherish the special ceramic Santa, Snowman, Christmas tree and Bird house that you shared with me. Every time I decorate for Christmas you will always be there for me.

Kim and Karyn, you two are so much like your mom and I am blessed to have you in my life❤️

]]> By: Paula Hunthausen https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490535 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:36:09 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490535 Karyn and Kim,
So saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. I have many great childhood memories of her during time spent playing at your home in EH. May God surround you in his love as you mourn her loss.

]]> By: Robert Pickett https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490533 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:12:07 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490533 Kim and Karyn and Family
Many Condolences from my family to yours. Your parents were so of the greatest in the world. And they are together again. It was a pleasure and and honor to have been in there lives.

]]> By: Kathleen Broussard https://helenafuneralhome.com/obituaries/irene-kathryn-duke-age-87-of-helena/#comment-490529 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:17:11 +0000 https://helenafuneralhome.com/?post_type=case&p=32736#comment-490529 Karyn and Kim and family
We are so very sorry about your mom and grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She is with your dad now. Hugs and prayers.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard

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