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Helen B. Sands, age 97 of North Branch passed away on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at the Margaret Parmly Residence in Chisago City.

Helen was born on December 1, 1911 in Proctor, Minnesota to Henry and Edith (Zastrow) Kruse. She attended the Proctor schools where she graduated. She was united in marriage to Bernard Sands on September 18, 1940 in Proctor. Helen and Bernard moved to North Branch in 1944 when Bernard was employed by the North Branch School District. Helen was a homemaker all her life. She worked at the North Branch Schools as a library aide after the death of her husband in 1970. Helen was known for keeping a meticulous home and had a love for classical music and the opera and enjoyed listening to Beverly Sills and the Three Tenors. She enjoyed cooking and was known for her Carmel rolls. Helen became a resident at the Margaret Parmly Residence in August of 2003.

She is survived by her daughter, Barb Ellingson of Center City; son, Warren Sands of Maplewood; five grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard in May of 1970; brother, Bernard Kruse and sister, Irene Hannaman.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 from St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in North Branch with Fr. Shane Wasinger officiating. Music will be provided by Cathie Hendren and Phyllis Keating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in North Branch. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass on Friday at the church. Memorials are preferred.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch.

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