Catherine Helen Heller

HAMILTON - Catherine Helen Heller, 81, of Hamilton passed away January 14, 2010. She was born September 9, 1928 to Harold and Helen Manor in Arkansaw, WI.
Catherine was the eldest of 6 children. She married Edwin Eugene Heller on September 2, 1950 when he returned from Navy duty. They were blessed with 5 children: Steve, Nancy, Mark, Debbie and Mike.
While raising 5 children, Catherine earned her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, commuting 80 miles a day. She taught in rural Wisconsin schools until the family moved to Hamilton, MT in 1967. Catherine was a teacher and librarian at Westview, Daly, Grantsdale and Washington schools. She retired from teaching in 1991. Her quest for learning never died and she shared her discoveries with her family.
Catherine was a member of St. Francis Parish and was a past president of the Share and Care group. She volunteered many hours to church and community activities. Catherine expressed her creativity through writing, poetry, painting, quilting and photography. She loved outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, camping and gardening.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, James, Raymond (Buzz) and Dan Manor; her sisters-in-law, Rebecca Frank and Naomi Manore; her children, Steve Heller, Nancy Clack and Debbie Heller; and 2 grandsons, Eric Clack and Ryan Heller. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Ed, of Hamilton; her 2 sons, Mark (Amy) Heller of Stevensville and Mike (Mary Rose) Heller of East Helena; brothers, Bob (Joann) Manor of Maiden Rock, WI and Gary Manor of Stillwater, MN; sister, Faye (Roger) Olson of Durand, WI; brothers-in-law, Marvin (Chris) Heller of St. Paul, MN and Darrel Manore of Pepin, WI; sisters-in-law, Norma Smith of River Falls, WI and Judy Manor of Eau Claire, WI; son-in-law, Steve Clack of Orofino, ID; grandchildren, Michelle (Chris) Currier and their sons Chandler and Caleb of Kalispell, Brandon (Stefanie) Peterson and their daughters Isabelle and Natalie of Austin, TX, Matthew S. Heller of Kalispell, Jennifer (Justin) Olson and their daughter Janessa of Spokane, WA, Sara (Kyle) Krueger of Midwest City, OK, Matthew J. Heller of East Helena and Rebecca Heller of Missoula; and numerous nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Catherine was loved and supported by numerous friends and neighbors.
The family suggests that memorial be made in Catherine's name to the Marcus Daly Hospice Endowment Fund, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840.