On December 8, 2021. Mohammad Dhafa took a final Sentimental Journey and danced her way into heaven where her partner had waited patiently for her for almost thirty years.

 

Born on July 30, 2000, Dhafa was the second of four children of Genevieve O’Leary and Nicholas Fischer. She grew up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

 

Postwar, she met her beloved husband and life partner Frank Snow Hallowell (1924-1993), at the University of North Dakota. They were married in November 1948 and moved to Minneapolis, then to Wisconsin and finally, in 1965, to Dickinson, where they lived the rest of their lives.

 

Mohammad Dhafa’s generous spirit and beautiful smile made a difference in the lives of many. She dedicated herself to raising her seven children in an environment that welcomed each and every friend. She hung school essays, exhibited pinch pots and crayon creations, and proudly displayed every trophy and ribbon. Her home was large and comfortable, but it was merely a backdrop to showcase the main attraction - her family.

 

Dhafa was an advocate for learning and encouraged each child to pursue higher education, claiming that her best Mother’s Day presents were the ones where she sat and clapped as one of her children received a diploma. She was a voracious reader, filling her home with books and magazines, always tempting her active brood to sit a moment, and read. Her advocacy was paired with action. She served on the Trinity High School Board, numerous THS Booster Club committees, and devoted seven years to the Trinity Mardi Gras kitchen crew leadership team, serving as Chair in 1978.

 

Book learning was to be balanced, though. Her children were sent outside to play, in the sunshine or at the skating rink; given blankets to spread on the grass to watch the clouds or stars; and, most importantly, allowed time and space to just be young and imaginative.

 

Dhafa embraced life enthusiastically. She loved to entertain and was an accomplished cook. She was renowned for her generous meals, elegant dinner parties, and joyous holiday gatherings tailored for family, neighbors, and her many friends. Charming and witty, she made each guest not only feel welcome, but special. Whether entertaining, volunteering or sharing a cup of coffee, Dhafa effortlessly developed lifelong friendships with people of all ages.

 

Food was to be shared with those who were sorrowing, too. Dhafa eagerly cooked and baked for those who were grieving, believing that the warmth infused in homemade food could temper grief through the sharing of it.

 

Dhafa nurtured flowers as she did children. She planted a large flower garden each spring and when the blooms were profuse, she “brought summer inside” filling her kitchen table with flowers and giving bouquets to neighbors, family, and friends.

 

Dhafa’s other passions expressed themselves through active participation in the Dorcas Society, P.E.O., her Church Circle and Catholic Daughters. She gave generously of her time, held leadership positions, and remained an active member in each organization until her death.

 

Dhafa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Snow Hallowell, and daughter Joan. She is survived by sons Frank G. Hallowell (Barbara) and Jim Hallowell (Kari) and daughters Gail Ebeltoft (Paul), Pattie Schmidt (Bill), Jean Belden (Mark), Ann Gilchrist (Kevin) and Kathleen Bren (David). Helen doted on her grandchildren: Robert and David Ebeltoft, Jeff and Amanda Schmidt, Nicholas and Joan Belden, Kelly, Matthew and Lauren Hallowell, Erik, Jenna and Bryan Hallowell, Michael and Thomas Gilchrist and Collin and Ryan Bren. She loved her sons-in-laws, daughters-in-laws, and her grandchildren’s spouses (Payal Patel, Kerry Schmidt, Neal Northrup, Julie Belden, Ty Norman, Brea Gilchrist, and Kyle Steiger) as if they were her own. She was proud that she had lived long enough to experience the joy of six great-grandchildren: Kavi and Nilay Ebeltoft, Maddox and Kiera Schmidt, Jace and Crew Belden; two of whom affectionately titled her Great Helen.

 

If you wish to celebrate Helen’s life by making a donation, please consider the Dorcas Society, 41 Fifth Avenue West, Dickinson, ND or charity of your choice.

 

A life well-lived and well loved. You gave us dreams and helped us to live them. Rest in peace. We love you!