Mara Lynne Helland

Mara Helland, 50, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on January 15, 2018 at her home in Alberton. She was born on September 14, 1967 in Winona, MN to Hubert and Kay Helland.

Mara spent most of her childhood in Minnesota until she moved to Eureka Springs, AR to live with her father and stepmother. She graduated from Eureka Springs High School in 1986. She attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and later passed her CPA exam.

Mara worked for McElroy, Smartt and Wilson in Missoula for many years and then started her own CPA business in 2006. She had been on the board of Habit for Humanity of Missoula. She was very hard working and dedicated to her clients and appreciated each of them.

Mara loved the beauty and peacefulness of living out in the country surrounded by the mountains and the cedar trees. She especially enjoyed her screened-in porch where she could read and listen to the creek. She waited and watched each year for the hummingbirds to return in the spring to have their babies and had many feeders she maintained so she could enjoy their beauty. She was also an avid football fan and loved watching the NFL and Grizzly football games with Matt. She recently became quite the chess player and had also discovered the joy of baking bread in the bread machine. Mara got much of her spiritual inspiration from reading and listening to Joel Osteen books and tapes and believed in always having faith and that God is always with you guiding you in His plan for your life.

Mara is survived by her loving husband of 22 years Matt Halttunen; mother Kay Helland of Marietta, GA; step-mother Judy Helland-Hammond of Arkansas/Arizona; sisters Dr. Karen Helland of Dunwoody, GA and Holly Helland of Marietta, GA; brother Benjamin Helland of Arkansas; and nephew Ryan Helland and niece Mikayla Helland of Dunwoody, GA. She loved her rescue kitties, Tye, Winston, Smokey, Watson, Foster, and Mr. Boots, and they miss her greatly. She was preceded in death by her father Hubert Helland.

It was Mara’s wish that there be no memorial or funeral service. Memorial donations can be made to AniMeals, 1800 Rankin Street, Missoula, MT 59808 (www.animeals.com) or the charity of your choice. Those who wish to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at www.gardencityfh.com