Lillian Hosianna (Hall) Helgason Myrdal

Lillian Hosianna (Hall) Helgason Myrdal passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 8th, 2025 surrounded by the love she gave so freely to others. A woman of incomparable warmth, grace and strength, Lillian lived nearly a century rooted in love, tradition and care for all who were lucky enough to know her.

Lillian was born on April 14th, 1927 to Hosianna & Johann Hall in Garder, North Dakota. The youngest of 11 children, she was always underfoot on the farm. Lillian graduated from Edinburg High School in 1944 and then attended the Hairdressing Academy in Fargo, ND.

At the age of 17 she met Stefan (Steve) Helgason at a dance that was held weekly in their small community. He asked for a dance and the rest was history! They were married on September 21, 1947 and together they had 6 children, Stuart, Wayne, Harvey, Sherry, Debbie and Lowell. Lillian was the ultimate hostess, her door was always open and her table was always full- of food, of laughter, of life. Whether it was family dinner or hosting parties for friends, Lillian created spaces where memories were made and love was the main ingredient. Lillian's gifts were acknowledged in 1963 when she was nominated for "Suburban Homemaker of the Year". Her younger years were also defined by challenges with the disability and eventual death of their beloved daughter Sherry in 1977. Lillian was one of Sherry's greatest advocates and was recognized as such when she was appointed by the State of Minnesota as a parent advocate for Deaf-Blind Services in a five state region. It was a very rewarding experience for her and no doubt for the people she helped during her time in that role.

Lillian's garden was a masterpiece of color and care, each bloom a testament to her nurturing spirit. She spent countless hours among her flowers, coaxing life from the soil with the same gentle persistence she brought to everything she did.

A gifted seamstress, Lillian could turn fabric into magic — sewing everything from wedding gowns to baby blankets, each stitch infused with her boundless affection. Her creations warmed generations and will continue to be cherished heirlooms.

But above all, Lillian was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother & great-great-grandmother. She raised her family with love, patience, and an unwavering moral compass. Her children and their children — and even their children — grew under the canopy of her kindness and wisdom. She was always there to listen, to support and encourage those that she held dear. When exacerbated she would usually drop one of her famous phrases "deliver me!" or "so it goes"

Lillian was preceded in death by her first husband, Steve, who passed away in 1992. Though heartbroken, Lilian's deep well of love and her instinct to care for others never waned. In time, that path led her to Donald (Don) Myrdal, an old friend and classmate from her school days. Their bond blossomed into a beautiful chapter of companionship, laughter, and mutual care — a testament to Lillian’s enduring belief in love and the joy

of shared life. Together they lived in Fargo, ND from the time they were married in 1995 until 2011 when they moved to Buffalo, MN to be closer to family. The proximity to those she loved let her enjoy deep and meaningful relationships with 4 generations of her family, memories we will cherish forever.

Lillian was preceded in death by her second husband, Don, in 2014 which led her to move once again into the Park Terrace community in Buffalo, MN. There she was a friend to many and enjoyed social time, reading, family time and when her son Lowell called Bingo on Wednesday afternoons.

Her life was a gift to everyone she touched, and her spirit will continue to bloom in the gardens she planted, the traditions she passed on, and the lives she shaped so gently and profoundly. May her memory be a blessing.

Lillian was preceded in death by her Parents, siblings and their spouses, brother and sister in laws, husbands- Stefan Helgason and Donald Myrdal, Daughter- Sharon, Son- Wayne and precious Grandson Shamus Helgason, numerous other family and friends. She is survived by her children Stuart (Laurie) Helgason, Harvey (Jane) Helgason, Deborah (Ric) West & Lowell (Anne) Helgason. Daughter in law Kathy Helgason. She is also survived by Grandchildren Shea (Pablo), Austin, Michaela, Jennifer (Paul), Grayson (Jennifer), Keely (James), Eric (Anna), Heath, Jessi (Justin), Chelsea (Raquel), Lee (Mike), Josie (Shannon), Carly. (David), Cassie (Adam) and Michael (Emilie). Great Grandchildren- Nyah, Gabriella, Kayla (Matt), Mariah (Gavin), Chase, Maddie, Alyssa, Alayna, Penny, George, John, Mary, Evan, Sam, Clark, Carmen, Cooper, Logan, Owen, Bode, Jacob, Jonathan, Joey, Dylan, Lucas, Jackson, Adalyn, Henry, Lillian, Kennedy, Gavin, Callan, Camden, Mason, Lennon & Judson. Great-Great Grandchildren- Harrison, Sloane & Lane. Lillian is further survived by Don's children, Jane (Paul) Boese, Patti (Jerry) Allen, Kay Myrdal, and Donald R. (Patricia) Myrdal. grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held by the family on Saturday, June 21st at 1:00 in the chapel at Park Terrace, 613 Montrose Blvd, Buffalo, MN. In lieu of flowers, plant something beautiful in her memory or share a meal with someone — Lillian would have loved that. Donations may also be made to Camp Courage in honor of her daughter Sherry at Truefriends.org.

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