Helen Claire (McCormick) Lindly, age 86, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska on July 1, 2026.
Helen was born on June 28, 1940, to Edward and Pearl (Dugger) McCormick and was raised in Brewster, Nebraska. She attended Brewster Rural School, where she was an active student. Known by her classmates as “Irish” she embraced her Irish heritage
throughout her life. During high school she participated in volleyball, pep club, dramatics, and served as a class officer, beginning a lifelong appreciation for teamwork, community, and friendship.
After graduating, Helen moved to Omaha, where she worked at the Child Saving Institute. She later relocated to Lead, South Dakota, to live with her brother Dick and his family. She fell in love with the beauty of the Black Hills, a place that always held a special place in
her heart. While working as a waitress in Deadwood, she earned the affectionate reputation of being “the shyest waitress in Deadwood,” a description that brought a smile to those who knew her gentle and humble nature.
Helen married Harold Lindly, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Susanne and Marcia. Helen was a devoted wife who worked alongside Harold and created a loving home for her family.
Never one to shy away from hard work, Helen kept a large garden that provided fresh food for her family, continuing a tradition she had learned from her own mother. Her garden reflected her generous spirit and her belief in caring for those she loved.
Helen remained active throughout her life. She enjoyed playing volleyball on community teams, bowled competitively in league play,
and later discovered a love for darts, becoming a familiar face in the local dart league. After Harold’s passing, she returned to the workforce at the local market, where she continued to make friends with her warm smile and kind heart.
Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Helen was a devoted member of her church and generously gave her time through volunteer service. She also served her community through the American Legion Auxiliary, election work, and other volunteer activities, always willing to help wherever she was needed.
Helen found joy in life’s simple routines. She began each morning with a crossword puzzle and ended every evening with a good book. An avid reader with a lifelong curiosity, she believed there was always something new to learn. She also had a tender heart for the
birds and squirrels that visited her yard, making sure they were always fed and had fresh water. Caring for God’s creatures brought her quiet happiness and reflected the kindness she showed to everyone around her.
Those who knew Helen will remember her as kind, loving, hardworking, and a calm, steady presence. She possessed a quiet strength that brought comfort to others and demonstrated through her life that compassion is often shown in simple, faithful acts of service.
Whether tending her garden, cheering on family, completing a crossword, or watching the birds outside her window, Helen found beauty in the everyday moments of life.
Helen is survived by her children; Susanne and husband Edward Thompson of Anselmo NE and Marcia and husband Christopher Brock of Manhattan KS; her grandchildren Katlynn Brock of Questa NM, Kylie Brock of Manhattan KS, and Zane Thompson of Merna
NE; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish her memory.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold; her parents Edward and Pearl; her siblings Leslie McCormick, Richard
McCormick, Vera Rohrs, Mary Lou Taylor, James McCormick, and David McCormick; and others who welcomed her home.
Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo, NE. Lunch to follow the Funeral Mass. Helen will be laid to rest in the Sandhills of Nebraska at Hawley Flatts cemetery, the place where her life
began and the landscape, she always carried in her heart. Memorials are suggested to the Anselmo Fire Department or Broken Bow EMS. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, then the family
will greet from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, rosary at 7:00 PM at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or encouragement may be left at www.govierbrothers.com
The family invites those who knew Helen to remember her by extending kindness to others, lending a helping hand, planting a garden,
reading a good book, completing a crossword, or simply filling a bird feeder and pausing to enjoy the beauty of nature—small acts that
reflected the quiet grace with which Helen lived every day.
