About Helen Moberg - The Butterfly Lady

Our mother's love for butterflies started when she was very young. Just before she passed away, I asked my mom how she got her nickname. She said that when she was young girl, she had gotten a rash that covered most of her face. She did not know medical name for this rash, but it was nicknamed "Butterfly Disease," mainly because the rash resembled the shape of a butterfly. After the rash went away, our mother soon began collecting butterflies and was soon nicknamed "The Butterfly Lady" by those who knew her.

Growing up I recall our house being filled with butterflies - curtains, dishes, wall ornaments, bedspreads, rugs, etc.- you name it and it had a butterfly on it. She also had the most beautiful collection of butterfly jewelry and pendants. If somebody gave her a piece of jewelry or clothing without a butterfly on it, our mom would make sure to put a butterfly on it. You will not find one photograph of Helen where she does not have one or more butterflies on on her clothes, purse or jewelry.

How perfect is the butterfly to symbolize our mother's life. She was beautiful in every way and gave her wonderful smile as well as her love and joyful spirit to her five children and everyone she came into contact with. We all love and miss our mother - our Butterfly Lady.

By Shirley J. Thompson (Helen's youngest)

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Her Children (youngest to oldest):

Shirley J. Thompson, Roy L. Jemison, Ray J. Jemison,

Kathey Jemison Recchia, Charlotte Perkins

Her Parents:

John Carter Netherland and Minnie Delia Reaves Netherland