Helen Alice (Schultz) Lesperance

Helen Alice Lesperance, 100, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away April 21, 2024.

Helen was born January 7, 1924, in Plattsburg, Missouri, to Albert Bernard Schultz and Alice Sorg Schultz, the third of four children. The family later moved to Wausau, Wisconsin where she spent her early years, graduating from high school in 1942. After graduation, she moved to California to live with her Aunt Emma (mother's sister) and Uncle John. The winters were terrible in Wisconsin and California weather was calling.

Helen had plans of becoming a nurse and had taken the beginning courses (biology, Latin, and chemistry) while still in high school. However, shortly after arriving in California a neighbor came to visit and said the phone company, Pacific Bell, was hiring. World War II was in full swing, and workers were desperately needed. She applied for a job and started the following week as an operator at the main office in downtown Los Angeles. This was to become a lifetime career, working in 15 different offices throughout California, Wisconsin, and Idaho where she retired at 55 from Mountain Bell in Idaho Falls. She later worked part-time in Coeur d'Alene at the phone company there.

Helen met John Lesperance on a blind date on Veteran's Day November 11th in San Bernadino, California. John worked on the railroad, and San Bernadino is where he was stationed at the time. They were married the following March. From this marriage came two sons, Steven, born September 19, 1955, and Douglas, born January 17, 1959. The family moved several times as John transferred locations, from San Bernadino to Barstow (Lenwood) to Needles, which Helen described as mobile home hell! This marriage ended in divorce.

Helen met Wilbert T. (Tuck) Woodson at a gas station while returning home to Coeur d'Alene from a trip to Idaho Falls. As Tuck was from Wilson, WY, they had a long-distance relationship for a short time until they married, and Helen moved to Wilson. It was in Wilson that she joined a travel group and was able to fulfill her dreams of traveling. She went to Germany where she stayed in the historic town of Dinkelsbuhl, where her family was from. Nova Scotia and Costa Rica were also among her favorite trips. Tuck and Helen had two standard poodles, Teddy, and Knight, who Helen loved dearly. When this marriage ended, Helen had hoped to have Knight (Teddy had passed), but that did not work out. She spoke of them fondly and remembered them often.

Helen moved to Idaho Falls in 1989, where she lived the remainder of her life. She was fiercely independent and determined to live in her own home no matter what. To do that, one must have a car, which she did, still driving herself until a just a few months prior to her passing. In fact, she made several cross-country trips with her little poodle, Moose, while in her late 80's, traveling to Pahrump, Nevada, where she once owned land and to Wisconsin to visit her sister when she was 89 years old. With her map and lunch packed, she drove the "backroads", staying off the interstate whenever possible. Helen had wonderful neighbors in Idaho Falls, watching out for her and noting whether she was out for her daily walks, often with her boy, Moose.

Helen was a champion of clean living, promoting healthy eating, good sleep, and staying active. And, to prove how important that was, she intended to live to 100 to make the point. While in her 90's a doctor once told her that she was "tough as nails", a compliment she was very proud of, stating that she attributed her strong mind and body to her wholesome lifestyle. Those who knew her, know there was probably more to it.

Helen loved garage sales, thrift stores, and a good bargain at the grocery store. She enjoyed roller skating, especially at Skate Plaza in Coeur d'Alene, still skating while even in her 70's. She loved animals of all kinds, having numerous cats and dogs over the years. She loved her country, Rush Limbaugh, and Donald Trump. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She believed in God and her guardian angel, who once spoke to her stating "Lo, I am with you always." Helen was loved and will surely be missed.

Helen is survived by her children, Steven Lesperance of St. Maries, ID, Douglas (Christine) Lesperance of St. Maries, ID; 4 grandchildren, James (Michelle) Lesperance, Kendra Lesperance, Michael Lesperance all of St. Maries, ID, and Scott (Melanie) Lesperance of Cameron, North Carolina; 4 great grandchildren, Riley, Ethan, Kaylee, and Madison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alice, her siblings Howard, Arlene, and Robert, and her grandson, Johnny.

At Helen's request there will be no services, but as a tribute, you may donate to your favorite animal shelter on her behalf.