Helen Gillespie

Helen Julie Gillespie, age 97, of White Bear Lake, beloved mom, grandma and great grandma, passed away peacefully at home on January 12th. Helen was born in Calumet, Minnesota to Dan and Antonia Sovil on April 30, 1928. She graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine Minnesota in 1946. Helen attended UMD and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Elementary education. She met her future husband Malcolm (Bud) in college and they were married on June 9th, 1951 in Duluth, MN.

Helen was preceded in death by husband, Bud; and nine siblings, Mary, Emil, Vladimir, Zora, Ann, Stella, Peter, Danny and Jack. Survived by sons, Malcolm Gillespie (Marcia), Lee Gillespie (Ellen); and daughter Amy Broadbent (Lance). Also survived by five grandchildren, Katie Trow (Westin), Erin Craciun (Alex), Libby Broadbent, Evan Broadbent (Ally), Lee Broadbent, four great grandchildren, Sadie, Thomas, Luca, Emilia and many loving nephews and nieces.

Helen and Bud resided in Rice Lake, Wisconsin before moving their family to Bald Eagle Lake in White Bear Lake in 1973. While in Rice Lake she obtained her private pilot license and was the first woman to solo in 20 years. She spent most of her adult life involved in activities in the Presbyterian church, serving as deacon, working at rummage sales, serving at funeral luncheons and taught Sunday school. Helen was also in PEO for over 50 years. She loved playing bridge, working at estate sale and was a devoted Green Bay Packer fan. Above all Helen cherished cooking Sunday dinners and spending time on the lake with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen had a kind and generous spirit and spread love to everyone.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice. A Funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with visitation at 1pm, at First Presbyterian Church, 4821 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.