Callie Lynn Hein

Our beloved daughter was born on May 1, 1983 in Helena, MT. It was one of the happiest days of our lives. Who knew love could be so strong or a child so beautiful, inside and out.

Callie’s sister, Renee, was born in 1984, 20 months later. Callie adored her little sister the second she held her gently in her arms. Their friendship was formed at that moment and it thrived throughout Callie’s short life. The girls knew how lucky they were to have each other to lean on, share thoughts with, and love. It was on family camping trips that Callie learned to head to the solitude of the great outdoors when life got heavy. The sisters enjoyed cribbage, quotes, movies, laughing uncontrollably, singing their hearts out at Tom Petty concerts at the Gorge and when they heard “Blue Ridge Mountain Girl,” and getting lost on the backroads of Montana. Renee wrote about Callie….” It’s those everyday ordinary moments that don’t usually stand out as memories but will be the ones I’ll truly cherish. Hanging out enjoying our favorite shows, chowing down on some Village Inn pizza or Taco Treat together, hearing about her weekend, singing to our favorite songs, reminiscing about old memories and her wrapping me in her heartfelt, long hugs while she says “love you sister” – those are the moments I’m going to miss so deeply.”

Callie attended Bryant School, Helena Middle School, and Helena High, graduating in 2001. She and her many friends spent a lot of time socializing at our home. We welcomed them with open arms and enjoyed their energy and high spirits. They taught us about various mysterious hand formations, terms, music, and so much more that was foreign to our generation. Callie was an avid book reader and loved music and animals. She learned everything she knew about cooking from her mom (nothing). She enjoyed soccer, basketball, and long distance running; playing the viola in orchestra; and, well, let’s just say she was voted “biggest flirt.” Her orchestra concerts brought tears to our eyes. Tears of pain in the early years and tears of joy in the later years. She even tried playing softball. Her dad encouraged her to practice in the park across the street, telling her “your mitt is your friend.” Her friendship with her mitt ended when the ball missed it and hit her between the eyes.

Callie decided it was time to strike out on her own and chose to attend Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA where she earned a BA in Exercise Science. Even though she enjoyed her four years at EWU and subsequent years in Spokane, she was always a Montana Girl and Griz fan at heart. Callie displayed her knowledge of football during her freshman year when she earned extra money by delivering pizzas. She delivered a stack of pizzas to the Seattle Seahawks players who were staying in the EWU dorm during spring training. As she handed them to one of the players, she exclaimed, “I just LOVE hockey!” Callie said the players gave her a huge tip. We are sure they are still laughing today at the thought of the gorgeous friendly innocent pizza delivery girl.

After graduating from EWU, Callie earned her two-year Physical Therapist Assistant certificate in 2006. She always knew she didn’t want a desk job. She worked at various Physical Therapy businesses from 2006 and until she passed. Her compassionate nature made her a perfect fit for the job. Callie’s patients and co-workers loved and respected her and she them.

Our dear girl gave birth to two beautiful sons, Brenner Wilhelm in 2011 and Quin Martin in 2013. They were her rock and passion. She was a vibrant fun protective mom and loved her dear boys more than anything on earth. The boys knew how special their mom was and they miss her so much. Callie lives on in them.

Callie loved her 12 year old niece (Renee’s daughter), Adria, like a daughter. They had a fun, fabulous, free-spirited friendship. They shared a passion for fashion, music, books, shopping, sleepovers, and so much more. Adria wrote... “Aunt Callie was gorgeous. She was tall, skinny, and her hair was beautiful. Even though she could be stubborn and sometimes a little impulsive, her personality was the best thing. That’s what made everyone love her. She was always there for me no matter what. If I had a question with something involving anything she would answer it honestly. And I always loved how she would never be scared to speak her mind. She always had something to say about something. She was truly a good person and everyone who knew her would agree. I knew she loved her kids and her family. We all miss you so much. I will never forget you ever, no one will. We will all remember your stories and everything you had to share. I just can’t believe we’ll never do anything together again. Aunt Callie always said everything happens for a reason. God was her life. She loves her quotes of God and happiness. So let’s trust that God took her somewhere where love is because maybe things do happen for a reason.”

Renee shared these closing thoughts with us… “As I try to find the words that express the depth of our loss, I am reminded of the beautiful life she lived and the profound impact she had on all of us. Her sudden departure has left an emptiness that words can never truly convey. Her laughter was infectious and her heart was so genuine. A beautiful mother, animal lover, dedicated healthcare worker, a wonderful friend to so many and the best daughter and sister in the world. She had an incredible ability to listen without judgment, to offer comfort and advice, and to stand by my side through every challenge. Miss her deeply, she was so beautiful.”

To our dearest Callie Lynn… We are blessed to have had you in our lives for 40 wonderful years. You will be with us forever. Your family loves and misses you more than we can say.

Callie is predeceased by her beloved grandparents, Helen and Paul Wetzsteon and Mickey and Willie Hein.

Callie is survived by her parents, John and Robin Hein; sister, Renee (Kyle) Hein; children Brenner Wilhelm (father Brandon) and Quin Martin (father Brian); niece, Adria McDonald; grandparents, Gene and Sharon Hockett; aunts, Kim Cortes, Lisa (Rich) Bradley, Sherrill King, Paula Wetzsteon, Sue (Scott) Mills; uncles, Rich (Cheryl) Hein, Chuck (Cindy) Hein, Terry (Carrie) Wetzsteon; cousins Tyler (Grace) Mills, Laura (Ryan) Granlund, Luisa (Louis) Latini, Lynette Cortes, Jason Hein, Wendy Livingston, Willie Hein; and a large circle of Helena friends whom she thought of as family.

An informal gathering of family and friends will be held near Callie’s birthday in early May. No date is set at this time.

Instead of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter.

One of Callie’s favorite quotes…

Trust the timing of your life.

If it comes, let it come.

If it goes, let it go.

It’s not rejection.

It’s divine redirection.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HazenJaegerValley.com for the Hein family.