Martha Anne Kobernusz

Martha Anne Kobernusz, of Helena, Montana passed away on April 8, 2024, at the Cooney Home.  She was 57 years old. 

Martha was born June 6, 1966, in Mitchell, South Dakota to Otto and Maxine Kobernusz.  The family lived on a farm in Spencer, South Dakota and Martha attended public elementary school in South Dakota.  Later the family moved to Golden, Colorado, and Martha attended and graduated from Margaret Walters School in 1988, which was a stand-alone public school for developmentally disabled students.  Martha excelled in language arts, reading, sign language, cooking, and sporting activities.  She enjoyed swimming and track and field competitions.  Martha was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church and enjoyed singing hymns and Christmas holiday songs. 

In spring of 1991, Martha moved to Helena, Montana to live and thrive under the assistance of Spring Meadow Resources, the community of Helena, and her eldest sister, Sharon and family.  

Martha worked full time and part time at Helena Industries from 1991 until it closed, and some of her best, life- long friends were her coworkers and job coaches. 

In 1995, Martha began her 26-year tenure at McDonalds, of Helena, under the caring opportunities provided by Lowell & Susan Bartels.  She excelled in her confidence to interact with the public and customers and took exceptional pride in being ready to arrive to work, each day and perform her tasks with cheerfulness and excellence.

She always participated in the social engagements from community dinners to game nights, to attending local sporting events and Special Olympics.  Martha was fortunate to participate as an athlete, at the World Games International Special Olympics in Newhaven, Connecticut in 1997.  She continued locally with her sporting enthusiasm in swimming, snow shoeing, skiing, basketball and track and field events.  Martha enjoyed word search puzzles, art projects and travelling with her companions.  Martha vacationed at Disneyland, and Nashville, TN, and Silverwood Amusement Park, in Idaho.  She went on family camping trips and enjoyed picnic outings at local state parks.  Martha was able to attend music concerts at the local and state fairs and enjoyed the Alive at 5 concerts in the Helena parks.   Martha always had a t-shirt to match the team that she was supporting, including the Denver Broncos, the Seattle Seahawks, the MSU Bobcats, the UM Grizzlies, the Helena Brewers and the Helena Bighorns. 

Martha is survived by her sister, Sharon (Mark) Langdorf and niece, Lisette (Phillip) Hofer and great nephew, Wyatt, of Choteau and nephew, Tim Langdorf of Missoula.  Sister, Debra (Joe) Adkins of Montrose, Colorado.  As well as her longtime roommate, friend and companion, Lisa K.  She is preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Sarah Jane (Monte) Gibbs, of Tacoma, Washington.

Inurnment will be at Spencer Cemetery, Spencer, South Dakota at a future date.

Any memorials may be shared with Family Outreach, Inc., Spring Meadow Resources, Inc., or Special Olympics of Montana.  

Sincere appreciation to the staff of Spring Meadow Resources for their years of kindness and guidance on behalf of Martha, St. Peters Healthcare physicians and nursing staff for their respect and attention to Martha during her recent hospitalizations, and to the Cooney Healthcare and Rehabilitation staff for offering their dedication, comfort, security and friendship to Martha for the past three years.

Martha always had a smile and greeting for all that she encountered, and she was a happy and joyful person who lived each day with humor, kindness, gentleness, love and gratitude. Simple Cremation Montana assisted the family.

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