Kathleen Edna (Helgaas) Perry, age 44, Winger, MN, died Monday, November 19, 2007 at Innovis Hospital in Fargo, ND, due to complications from surgery.

Kathy was born August 6, 1963 at the Fosston Hospital to Ervin and Edna (Rude) Helgaas. She was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger, where she is still a member.

Kathy attended elementary school in Winger and graduated from McIntosh-Winger High School. She furthered her education at Moorhead State University for two years before moving to West St. Paul, MN, where she graduated from Graphic Design School. While living in West St. Paul, Kathy worked as a job coach for the mentally challenged.

On November 28, 1987 Kathy was united in marriage to Jon Perry. The light of her life, Marisa, was born on May 17, 1988 - she was Kathy's whole world. In 1995, Kathy and Marisa moved to Winger to make their home. She also worked as a job coach for the O.D.C. in Fosston, MN, and was currently employed at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN.

With all of the hardships she endured, Kathy remained upbeat with a positive attitude. Taking things day by day, she always had hope for a better tomorrow. As a loving mother with an unconditional love for her daughter, she always put Marisa, as well as others, before herself.

She is survived by her daughter, Marisa, Winger; her mother, Edna Helgaas, Winger; sisters Cheryl (Ron) Wang, also of Winger and Eileen (Terry) Cook, Erskine, MN; one brother, Rodney Helgaas and friend Katie Olson of Burnsville, MN; four nephews: Aaron and Logan Cook, Jarrid and Dylan Wang; two nieces: Jennifer (Ben) Hand and Sheila (Jason) Audette; two great-nieces: Hannah and Kallie and two great nephews: Jordan and Blake.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Ervin; one brother, Randy; two nephews: Steven Wang-Leavitt and Travis Cook; her maternal grandparents, Henry and Ida Rude; paternal grandparents, John and Clara Helgaas.