Elizabeth Ann Helder, 92, of Rochester, passed away peacefully Monday, December 4, 2017 at Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth.

Elizabeth was born September 19, 1925 in Madelia, MN to Hugh and Bridget (McMorrow) Tierney. On April 15, 1947 she married the love of her life, Doug and they lived in Madelia until moving to Rochester in 1957. She was a loving mother who raised eight children. She was a faithful member of St Francis Parish and so enjoyed her 26 years of working in the lunchroom of St. Francis Grade School after her own children had grown.

Liz enjoyed square dancing, camping and travelling with Doug and numerous friends. Family trips to their cabin on Turtle Lake are full of memories. At age 71 Liz took up golf on their winters in Dauphin Island. Liz was very proud of her Irish heritage and those Irish eyes were ALWAYS smiling!, As much as she enjoyed her own eight children Liz had a very special place in her heart for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and not to mention the great-great grandchildren! To Liz Wednesday 'family park night' was the best! Liz had a quiet presence BUT when she spoke everyone always listened!

Liz is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Arnold) Blum of Mantorville and Mary (Dan) Holmberg of Rochester; and six sons, Daniel (Cheryl) of Stewartville, Cameron (Pam) of Pine Island, Mark (Bonnie) of Rochester, Huey (Joanne) of Rochester, Ken (Janet) of Mantorville and Phil (Linda) of Rochester; along with 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Jean Froehling of Woodbury.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas; and three sisters, Ruth Helder, Margaret Walsh, and Agnes Gappa.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Arbor Terrace and Samaritan Bethany for the loving care you gave to Elizabeth throughout her years there.  As she would say 'it was very nice'!

A celebration of life funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Cook officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, December 8, 2017 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Diocese of Winona televised Mass program.