‘The final bell has rung; this teacher has gone home!’ Maria left us this
quote as well as many notes to help write this obituary and plan a
celebration of her life. Always a planner.
Maria Philomena (McCarthy) Goebel, age 67, peacefully joined her heavenly
family on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at St. Peter’s Hospital with her husband
and children by her side. Born in Butte America, the only child of Daniel and
Catherine McCarthy, on May 13, 1952 , Maria spent her early years in Butte
attending Holy Savior and St. Mary’s grade schools until moving to Helena to
attend 4th grade at St. Helena’s School, where she made her decision she
wanted to be a teacher. Maria was at St. Helena’s School through 8th grade.
Her high school years included three years at Helena Catholic Central, until
its closure, when she and her classmates joined the Class of 1970 at Helena
High.
During her senior year, Maria’s father passed away. His passing led her to
attend Carroll College to stay close to her mother. While at Carroll, pursuing
her dream of becoming a teacher, she was active as a Spur Class Officer,
Post Office and Music Department worker and loyal Saint fan. Maria’s
loyalty to the Fighting Saints remained strong throughout her life. Upon
graduation, she received her first teaching position in Centerville, Montana
as the 4th grade teacher. Maria became friends with the 6th grade teacher,
Gary Goebel, who after two years became her husband. Maria and Gary
were married on August 28, 1976 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Helena,
Montana.
Maria continued her teaching career in East Helena, then Helena at Kessler,
Warren (25 years) and Four Georgians (4 years), retiring in 2011. Most of
Maria’s teaching career was spent in kindergarten. She loved the “lIttle
people” so much and continued to be their voice even in her retirement.
Maria was honored as Helena’s Teacher of the Year in 1998. During these
years she and Gary were blessed with their three children: Allan, K.D. and
Kellie, as well as their treasured grandchildren: Cole, Keegan, Nora, Andre
and Collins. Maria was so very proud of her children and even more honored
to gain the title ‘Nana’. Her ‘Grand Cuties’ were, without a doubt, the
highlight of her days.
Maria was involved as a religious education teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic
Church, Children’s Liturgy of the Word leader at the Cathedral of Saint
Helena, and a member of the Early Childhood Coalition Leadership Team.
Maria enjoyed taking photographs, traveling (especially her and Gary’s trip
to Ireland), volunteering in classrooms as Nana Maria, her coffee dates with
friends, luncheons with her three retiree groups (Warren, Four Georgians
and Kessler) and time spent with her longtime CGU (Catholic Girls Unite)
buddies – “Thanks for being my sisters and friends.” Maria dedicated many
hours of her retired years to getting books into the hands of children. As
part of this mission, she collected book donations throughout the year for
the Christmas Giving Tree at the Cathedral, ensuring that children had
books under their tree on Christmas morning.
Maria so naturally reminded us, through her words and actions, that we are,
and that life is, “Marvelous, Simply Marvelous!”
Maria was preceded in death by her parents: Daniel and Catherine (Melvin)
McCarthy, her father- and mother-in-law Alois and Sylvia (Bugni) Goebel
and brother-in-law Victor Goebel.
Maria is survived by her loving husband, Gary, and their children: Allan
(Stephanie) Goebel, K.D. (Craig) Jones, and Kellie (Josh) Dold, all of Helena,
as well as their six treasured grandchildren: Andre Goebel and his sister,
Leela, due to arrive in December 2019, Cole and Keegan Jones, and Nora and
Collins Dold. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Don (Helen) Goebel
of Post Falls, ID and Ed (Val) Goebel of Spokane, WA , sister-in-law Kathy
(Rick) Griffith of Butte, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Maria’s life will be honored and celebrated with a vigil service at 6:00 PM ,
Monday, November 4, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750
- Montana Ave in Helena. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 Ewing Street.
A reception will follow in the Brondel Center of the church. A graveside
service will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,
Maria has requested book donations for the Christmas Giving Tree Project
at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Collection boxes for new children’s books (for
any age, birth – high school) will be at both the vigil and the Funeral Mass.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Maria.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday November 4, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Brondel Center
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday November 4, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Brondel Center
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Tom Naegele says
So sorry for the passing of 1970 HHS Classmate Maria 😢. Prayers of Support & Care to all the Family & Friends.🙏🙏🙏
Pat and Fred Verzani says
Gary, KD and family,
We were saddened to hear of Maria’s passing. She was such a beacon of light in so many lives. Her beautiful smile made you feel warm and happy. She was always so exuberant and a joy to all around her. We will miss our meetings at LCC at breakfast Sunday mornings.
I know one “angel” who no doubt greeted her with open arms. The memories you have of her will always be in your hearts.
May she Rest In Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the days ahead.
Apryl and Terry Hiatt says
Goebel family…….we are sending so many thoughts and prayers in this time of loss. Thank you for sharing Maria with us all these years. She has made so many children lifes full of joy by giving them a love of learning in their 1st transition to school life as a kindergarten student. We had the ultimate honor to have her love our children as they all were in her class at Warren, as well as my husband and his brother as they went to Warren so many years ago. As our children grew, Maria was still a constant in their lives. When our son was very sick and ultimately passed away, she was here, even when she was fighting through her own illness, she was bringing us food in our time of loss. She came to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday…. made lasagna for my daughter when she just needed a pick me up…celebratingthe 50’s bash with her was a blast…..she did so many special things and gave us so many amazing memories. We loved her and loved her light. Our world got a bit dimmer on Sunday and we will miss her spirit of love………love and prayers, Terry, Apryl and Hiatt Family.
Maureen LaChere says
What an amazing lady. Every memory of Maria that I have is a positive one. She spread love & joy where ever she was.
Terri Losey says
Marie taught kindergarten to two of my daughters. They really enjoyed her as a teacher and mourn her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family in this time of loss. Ms. Goebel made such a big impact on so many children in this valley I know her memory will last a long time.
Peggy Jo Williams says
Maria was the epitome of Christianity, ALWAYS a smile and kind word to everyone she came in contact with. She will be sorely missed by all, and now Heaven has a true angel, just like she was to us all. God’s blessings to her dear family. Rest in peace, dear Maria.
Jan and Bob Vogel says
Gary and family, we were saddened to hear of Maria’s passing. It was such a joy being your neighbors, watching your kids grow up and then your grand babies!! It was so obvious the love you had for all of them and the love they had for you. We’ll miss you dear friend. RIP.
Marnie Wedgwood says
Mrs.Goebel was the most caring, loving, and amazing teacher. She taught my brother and I at warren. I will always cherish those memories from her teaching me. One of the memories was the letter people getting married in the gym at warren.
Lisa Schlosser says
Sending all my love and prayers to all of Maria’s wonderful family at this incredibly sad time. I am so glad I got one final Maria hug just a week ago at the Crosstown volleyball game. I will forever carry her smile in my heart especially as I think of how happy she was when surrounded by her grandbabies and family watching Kellie coach. She was one of the strongest most positive people I have ever met, in fact, I’d state firmly she was an Angel on earth. I cry for your loss but I know she is happy and free of pain in Heaven and will continue to watch over you all. She will be missed by SO many, and I am honored to have had the pleasure to know and love her. God Speed Beautiful Maria, I love you!
Lorretta Lynde and Bob Fusie says
Maria touched many lives. As a teacher, as a friend, as a mom, she will live on in the memories of those who knew her best. Condolences to her family and friends who are sad right now. Those many acts of love, humor and friendship will brighten future days.
Carolyn and Scott Miller and Family says
It’s not hard to imagine her entering into heaven…
what a celebration there must have been,
what welcoming applause and warm embraces
must have met her as they realized how blessed they’d be with her forever in their midst.
Maria was really something…and we’re all going to miss her so.
Thinking of you.
Carol Smith says
Goebel Family: Oh that we could all live life as Maria did! What a special soul. All the more heartbreaking for you and everyone else she touched. I know Heaven is rejoicing, but earth will never be the same. God’s blessings and comfort to all of you. Carol and Jerry Smith.
Mya Jonas says
Mrs.goebel was my absolute favorite teacher. She made school fun! I loved going to her class. She always had a smile on her face, it was never a boring day when you were in her class! You will be truly missed.
Dave and Kelly Rusoff says
We are very sorry for your loss. We, and everyone who knew her, will miss her very much.
Casi Loomis says
KD, Mr. Goebel, and family-
Thinking of you all in your time of loss. So sorry to hear of Mrs. Goebel’s passing. She made a huge impact on our lives as children and we will cherish the memories with her and all the lessons she taught us.
With love, The Loomis Sisters (Cassandra and Larissa)
Kris Brandt says
Maria was truly an angel here on earth. She lit up everyone that knew her with her smile, her hugs, and her genuine love and compassion for everyone she met. I’ll never forget the November 2005 day my 5 year old son decided he didnt want to go to school anymore because he wanted to stay home with me. She caught on immediately and told him how much she needed him there in class and for the upcoming holiday program. He decided then and there that he was going to be there and my now 19 year old college student loves school to this day. How fortunate my family is to have known her, worked on 50’s bash, Warren PTO, kids college at 4Gs and Cathedral children’s LoW with her. She will be greatly missed, always loved, deeply appreciated and never forgotten. With love and prayers from Troy, Kris, Jason and Amanda Brandt
Daniel mecca says
Very saddened to hear about her passing. I had her as a teacher, and remember to this day how joyous she was in the classroom. She fought to be uplifting, in spite of the chaos we all would cause. I loved having her as a teacher.
Shelley Sharp says
Dear Gary, you and your beautiful family are in my prayers. Maria is going to be greatly missed. God bless. Shelley
Cindy Galbavy says
We are so sorry to hear about Maria. She was an amazing lady that touched so many peoples lives. Everyone that knew her will miss her dearly. We were so blessed to have her in our lives. Our hearts go out to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Galbavy Family
Judy Combo says
To Gary and your kids and grandkids, I feel saddened by the death of you beloved Maria. You know I never spent much time with you guys, but I always felt like we were lifelong friends. She did a lot of praying for my grandson Travis before he passed away and I thanked her for that. May she be resting peacefully now, pain free and being the Heavenly Angel that she now is up there..prayers to all of you during this extremely difficult time..I have a poem I wrote…for Maria.. An Angel went to Heaven. Just the other day. God smiled at her. And said come on. I need you here to stay. He opened up the Pearly Gates. And then she went on through. Yes Maria went into Heaven Just as God had asked her to… To a truly beautiful lady, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and very good Friend..
Donna Erwin says
I had the pleasure of working as a teaching colleague with Maria in the Helena Schools for several years. She was a Kindergarten teacher who was centered in educating the ‘whole child’. Her loving ways sent every child on to a future where they knew they at been loved by their Kindergarten Teacher. My condolences to Gary and the family.
Krista Evans says
Goebel family — How to put into words the love, faith, compassion, caring, insight, caring, hope, joy and light that this beautiful soul brought to so many little people and mamas! My oldest loved her as his teacher and friend and I loved her as mentor and dear friend helping to navigate life’s many opportunities and challenges. 50’s bash, the alphabet people …..God speed dear sweet Maria. You were deeply loved and will deeply missed.
Dawn North says
Dear Mr. Goebel, I am so sorry!
Bernadette Lahr says
When our family first moved to Helena in 1991 one of my first friendships was Maria as I navigated my way through teaching religious education at St Mary’s. I was not a teacher but she made me feel so welcomed and important! I did not keep up with Maria but whenever I saw her over the years she always had a smile and kind words. Gary and family, it is so sad to be without her physical presence but you know that God and all the angels in heaven rejoiced and embraced her in joy.
Hugs and prayers to all of you, Bernadette
Bob Pennington says
I am so very sorry for your loss. What an amazing woman and educator.
she will be greatly missed.
Susan Egbert says
Dear Gary and Family:
Maria was truly the epitome of an angel on earth and with a spirit like hers she will truly live on in our hearts. Maria loved life and everyone in it. She made the people and children she met along the way feel special, important, and loved. How lucky we all were to have known her and to have her as a role model. Time spent with Maria was priceless and to be cherished. I have never known a more kind and caring individual. I am thankful that she will not have to endure any more pain. My heart goes out to the special family she left behind. Maria was truly a blessing and thank you God for sharing her with all of us that were fortunate enough to call her our friend.
Glen J Cuchine says
Dear Gary, kids and grands, my heart goes out to you at this time and always. Thank you for sharing your wonderful wife, mom and nana with all of us. What fabulous memories you all have and there are as many hidden in the hearts of everyone Dear Maria touched. Bless you all.
RD, Carol and Shawn Smith says
Our condolences to the family. We will always remember how Shawn enjoyed his kindergarten year with Mrs. Goebel. What a wonderful teacher.
Lonnie M Collings says
Gary and family
God has chosen another angel to bring home.
May your memories of Maria help you through this tough time.
Prayers for you and your family.
Terry, Lorrie Grotbo says
Dear Mr. Goebel,
Our condolences from the Grotbo family.
Miss seeing her with you already on our side of the Cathedral.
May you find peace.
Terry and Lorrie
Colette Strizich says
Maria Goebel was the very BEST of the BEST! I loved her from the moment I first met her and that never changed! She was always an inspiration to me and everyone she met. She was my master teacher during my student teaching experience through Carroll College and I know there could not have been a better fit. We loved every minute in the classroom together. She made every day a joy for me and most importantly the students. Her beautiful spirit and endless dedication to our Helena family will forever be be missed. I celebrate her beautiful life!
Debbe Pistoria says
Dear Gary and Family,
I will forever treasure the time this beautiful “light” of Christ, Maria spent time with me working on the Christmas Giving Tree. Her excitement and passion for children and books touched my heart instantly. Maria would always acknowledge me warmly with a touch on the arm and was always so much fun to be with. My time was short with Maria on the committee but will always be remembered as the loving, thoughtful, caring woman she was.
I know heaven just got brighter with Maria taking the hand of Jesus and being welcomed in heaven.
Garry and I send our deepest sympathy for the loss of a true angel spending time with us.
Garry and Debbe Pistoria
STEVIE ERVING says
I AM REMINDED OF THE MOVIE “SOUND OF MUSIC,” AND THE SONG “HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA?” HOWEVER, MARIA WAS NEVER THE PROBLEM, SHE WAS ALWAYS THE SOLUTION. ON MY FIRST DAY AT WARREN SCHOOL, SHE WELCOMED ME TO HER CLASSROOM WITH FLOWERS AND A BEAUTIFUL CARD. MARIA BECAME AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR WEDDING WHEN I MARRIED DAN. SHE TOOK PHOTOGRAPHS, PROVIDED THE PEW BOWS, AND HELPED IN EVERY WAY SHE POSSIBLY COULD TO MAKE OUR DAY SPECIAL.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU, GARY AND FAMILY. WE THANK GOD AND YOU FOR THE BLESSING OF MARIA. HOW DO YOU HOLD A MOONBEAM IN YOUR HAND? OUR PRECIOUS MOONBEAM MARIA HAS RETURNED THE LOVING ARMS OF OUR LORD. SHE WILL ALWAYS SHINE IN OUR MEMORIES. LOVE, STEVIE AND DAN ERVING
Mary Younger says
Maria was truly an angel on earth! Her beautiful, kind spirit will long be remembered. My heart goes out to the family in this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace, Mary Younger
Jana Hahn says
I was blessed to have Maria as my mentor teacher when I was a student teacher at Carroll. She was an amazing lady! I learned so much from her about teaching and about life in general. Maria and I reconnected on Facebook 10 years ago, and I am so grateful for it. She always had such encouraging and lovely words to say about my children. She was truly one of a kind. I have so many marvelous memories of my days in the classroom with her. I will donate books to Operation Wish Book here in Boise in Maria’s memory. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate Maria’s beautiful life, and will remain with you in the coming days, weeks, and months.
Lois Simpson says
My condolences to the Goebel family. Mrs. Goebel taught both of my kids at Warren school. They both loved her so. I still have the film from when my daughter was in her class on St. Patrick’s Day that the news filmed. Such a great memory! She touched so many children’s lives in such a positive way. She will be greatly missed.
Don, Lois, Shannon and Jessie Simpson
Jack Oberweiser says
In 2014, I realized I would be in Mexico during the annual Race for the Cure in Helena. Maria helped me gather t shirts from past races, and when runners were lining up for the race in Helena, Mexican boys were donning shirts and we had a Corrir por la Cura in Santa Maria de Mexicana the same day. I still have pictures and a video of that special day. Maria was thrilled to have been instrumental in pulling that one off . So typical of her love and generosity .
Dianna L. REEVE says
Dear Gary and family. So sorry to learn of Maria’s passing. She was a positive influence in the lives of my children,Shannon, Janna and JJ as well as in mine. Will be praying for you all. Dianna Reeve (Geier)
Lori Chase says
Dear KD and family,
Your mom was such a special person in so many ways. So blessed to have crossed paths with her. Such an exceptional angel that will be watching over everyone! Thoughts and prayers.
Lori Chase
Chelsea Segrest says
My condolences to Maria’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Maria on the Early Childhood Coalition leadership team. She was a strong advocate for “little people.” Maria always greeted everyone with a smile. She spoke highly of her own grand children and was proud to be a grandma. As an educator she has touched so many lives, she will be missed.
Fadness Family says
Mrs. Goebel was an angel here on Earth. Always a hug and kind words. My 2 older kids were fortunate to have her for a kindergarten teacher. Our family loved her and will miss those hugs. Rest in peace Maria.
Patti Stout says
I met Maria 42 years ago when we worked together for about 8 months. She was a delightful person, and it was so fun to be around her. Over the years, our paths did not cross too often, but when they did it was always a great chance to renew an old friendship. I was delighted this spring and summer to see Maria and most all of her family at the Senator baseball games. We had a good visit and got “caught up”. I am so sorry for her passing and pray that many wonderful and precious memories of Maria will sustain each family member at this time. You are in my prayers. Patti
Larry and Denise Rowan says
Gary, Allan, KD, and Kellie,
So sorry to hear about Maria. We really enjoyed being neighbors with you guys here in “the ‘hood” and having our kids grow up at the same time. Maria always seemed to be such a genuine, sincere person and we know she will be missed. Sorry for your loss and we’ll keep you all in our prayers.
Bill Anderson says
Mrs. Goebel was amazing both as a teacher and a human being. Both my daughters were fortunate enough to be in her class at Warren School. When my daughter, Kate, visited Helena last year from her home out of state, she saw Maria during an intermission at a play at Grand Street Theatre. Although it had been over thirty years since Kate was in her class, Maria immediately recognized Kate and recalled her name. They hugged and had their picture taken together. Both my daughters were so thankful to be in Mrs. Goebel’s class. I was saddened to hear of her passing; She was always pleasant when I would see her out and about in Helena. She will be missed. Rest in peace.
Patrick Chadwick says
I was Mrs. Goebel’s woodsman in our Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs play in kindergarten. I have spent my life ensuring that I live up to the nobility and compassion of that character. I stayed in touch with her throughout the years until we moved from Helena. Here in Boston, my little girls know who Mrs. Goebel was and the impact she had on their Dad’s life. Thank you for this wonderful angel while she was here with us. I married and teacher and spent a winter substitute teaching in East Helena. I was terrified walking into the kindergarten classroom and being responsible for those kids. I thought of Mrs. Goebel and just started singing Skinamarinky Dinky Dink along with those kids and realized the love a teacher has for those they teach. Thank you Mrs. Goebel and thank you to her family for sharing her with us. Her legacy absolutely lives on.
James Dennis Sheehy says
Sorry to hear about the passing of this great lady. She was a wonderful friend, classmate and inspiration. Maria will be missed by all who knew her. God Bless.
J. Dennis and Janet Sheehy
Jerome and Ronnie Tuss says
“May tender memories soften your grief,
May fond recollection bring you relief,
And may you find comfort and peace in the thought
Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought…
For time and space can never divide
Or keep your loved one from your side.
When memory paints in colors true,
the happy hours that belonged to you.”
–Helen Steiner Rice
Debbie Carter says
Dear Gary and family,
I am so sorry for the great loss of your beloved Maria. We went to school together at St. Helena’s and high school at Cathedral High. Maria and I reconnected in 2011 at the Four Georgin’s Elementary In 2011 where she welcomed me into her classroom and helped introduce me to the student body as an author of my children’s book. It was one of the best days, thanks to her warm heart and kind spirit. Maria was always kind, she touched so many and will be remembered and missed. We are so blessed to have known her. Rest my friend, in Peace.
Diana Stewart says
Maria was the best kindergarten teacher I ever had the pleasure of working with. He last words to me were I’m glad to see your smiling. She was always a joy and an angel to the people and children that knew her. I’ll miss seeing you around lady. You were amazing on earth as you will be in the heavens. God bless you!
Ann McCauley and Family says
Dear Goebel Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. As many have noted, Maria’s passion and kindness shone through in everything she did, and all who fell within her light will forever be the better. God bless.
James, Mary, Brandy, Keith,Mac and Zac says
Thank you Maria for being part of my twin grand children’s life during their time at Four Georgians. You invited me into your classroom to read Christmas stories each year and always greeted my wife and I with a warm smile even when you were not feeling well. I last saw you shopping and turned to say hello but you had disappeared. If I had known it would be the last time I ever saw you; I would have searched until I had the opportunity to thank you for being a mentor to the twins and myself. My third grade teacher made a difference and lasting memory by reading a chapter each Friday sixty years ago. It was a western -“Singing Wheels”. That is what I am sure you will do with all the children in Heaven. I can see them all gathered around you at your feet with wide eyes and grins enjoying a good book as you read to them. I am truly sorry I will not see you again in this world, but joyful I will enjoy a book with you in the future, God speed! Thank you for being a TEACHER!
Dawn Harrell says
She was my son’s kindergarten teacher. What a fantastic way for him to begin school. I will never forget her kindness and love of children. We were truly blessed. I shall keep all of you in my prayers