Rebecca Ann Wiegand

I, Rebecca Wiegand, lived a blessed life for 71 years until succumbing to ALS. Born in New Mexico to Lutgarda and David Gonzalez, I had a wonderful childhood with my siblings Ric (Michael), Paul, Priscilla (Mikaela) and Roberta (Martin, Mikhaela and Gabriella) along with numerous, and I mean numerous, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. I graduated from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology with a degree in physics and was one of the first women geophysicists in Denver where I met my lifelong love Kenneth. We raised three great kids together: Kenna (Joe, Evie and Kit), Dava (Patrick, Liam, Owen and Conor) and Daniel (Kelsey, Lewis, Vera and Jonas). I have also had the most wonderful friends, acquired through the kids, school, work, sports, travels and volunteering. Thank you, all, for taking this journey with me.

From her kids:

While Rebecca was born and raised in Albuquerque, she and our dad chose to build their life together in Helena, Montana, which she made her home for 45 years. She loved her community and gave so much of her time and talents to make Helena the wonderful place it is.

Our mom and dad were devoted partners in life and parenting, and they were the best of friends. They enjoyed cruises and card nights with their friends once all of us left the nest. We hope they are together again.

Rebecca was a creative person, she could solve any problem with her amazing mind, was an avid techie, loved working on crossword puzzles and watched Jeopardy! every evening. She was also up for trying anything once: Surfing in Hawaii, rafting down the Grand Canyon, and even skinny-dipping in Placid Lake. Her can-do spirit inspired us to try new things and live our own lives. She instilled in us a love of learning, a taste for new experiences, and the persistence to keep trying.

Our mom devoted so much to us, our friends, and our families. She would drop everything whenever we needed her. She cherished her grandkids, who called her Mimi, and loved having so many of them close by. She also loved traveling to visit family and explore places that are off the beaten path.

Rebecca spread kindness wherever she went. Whether you crossed paths with our mom for only a quick moment or a lifetime, your life was improved by her presence. She will be remembered by so many.

Rebecca is preceded in death by her spouse, Kenneth Wiegand, her parents, and her nephew Steven.

We will be holding a celebration of her life at the Wiegand family home on Friday, May 10 from 4 to 7 pm.

“Grief never ends … but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith … It is the price of love.”

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