Anne Catherine Van Sickle, 102, died of natural causes on December 19, 2015 in Helena.
Anne was born on March 7, 1913 in Butte, Montana to Henry and Anne Pissot. Upon completing high school at Butte High, she enrolled in Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana, where she obtained a teaching degree in 1933. She taught in a one-room school house in Wickes, Montana, living in a teacherage with no running water or electricity. In Wickes she met Edwin (Rudd) Van Sickle, a local sheep rancher, and married him in June, 1935 in Butte. During WWII, Anne followed her husband to New York City where he taught in the War College at Columbia University.
In 1948, Anne moved with her family from the ranch at Wickes to Helena to be closer to schools for her children. Rudd for many years served as Assistant Director at Ft. Harrison VA Hospital. Anne was active at St. Mary Catholic Community, Camp Fire Girls, Red Cross Blood Drive and the Mothers’ March on Polio. She took Holy Communion to local nursing homes and shut ins in the Helena area for many years.
Anne loved to travel and with her husband and daughters visited every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Anne and Rudd had a long interest in mining and owned the claims that eventually became the Montana Tunnels Mine.
Anne is survived by four daughters, Lois Matthews, Jeanne and son-in-law Jack Bennett, Mary Lou Madden and Joanne and son-in-law Steven Molnar. She is also survived by grandchildren Kirstin Case, John, Edwin, Patrick and Andy Matthews, Karla Woerner, Stephany Goetz, Eric, Thomas and Malcolm Bennett, Mario Madden, Allyson Wellstead, Emily, Jeremy and Adam Molnar, 25 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and 4 nephews.
Anne is preceded in death by her husband, Rudd Van Sickle, sisters Henrietta Flood and Gertrude Pomajavich, brothers Frank and Henry Pissot and son-in-law, Jerry Madden.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 6:45 p.m. Friday, January 15th at St. Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena. A Vigil Service will start at 7:00 p.m. at the Church. A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 16th at St. Mary Catholic Community with a reception to immediately follow Mass in the social hall of the Church. The Rite of Committal Service will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery, 3700 N. Montana Ave, Helena. Memorials may be sent to St. Mary Catholic Community, or the Guatemala Missions of the Diocese of Helena, P.O. Box 1729, Helena, 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Anne.
Vansickle Family
c/o Mary Lou Madden
P.O. Box 21826
Juneau, AK 99802
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m.
Friday January 15, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Rosary
6:45 p.m.
Friday January 15, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Friday January 15, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday January 16, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Saturday January 16, 2016
Social Hall of the Church
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m.
Friday January 15, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Rosary
6:45 p.m.
Friday January 15, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Friday January 15, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday January 16, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Saturday January 16, 2016
Social Hall of the Church
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Share
Nancy Matthews McCaffree says
Anne was the consummate lady and an amazingly and thoughtful person. Her faith was lived and unfailing. She served and loved her God and family.
Sherri Staats says
My eyes filled with tears when I read of this beautiful lady’s passing. I can remember sitting beside her for many times at mass at Touchmark holding her hand and sharing stories. She was a true lady of grace, beauty, and dignity. It was like sitting beside my grandmother again. I can close my eyes and see myself taking her back to her room after room after mass was over. What a true honor that was for me. Heaven has gained the brightest star and true angel. Thank you Ann for letting me be your friend. Rest in peace beautiful lady. Father Stu was there to greet you with open arms. Now go and help others. I will see you again my dear friend. God’s Peace.
Terry W Bass says
A dynamic lady. She and I talked a lot about her life at Wickes and the Montana Tunnels mining project. May she rest in peace.
John Matthews says
Anne was the consummate grandmother. The kids loved being with her, whether cooking, camping, hiking or just playing in the yard. They admired her and had so much fun with her and her with them. She set exquisite examples of Caholic life, and that will carry forward for generations. Without a doubt she is already in heaven, enjoying time with the Lord and the Blessed Mother, both of whom she emulated in daily life.
David Lesofski says
Anne is a shining light and a beacon of love and hope. I am so glad she has made her way home! She was a true friend to my mother and our entire family, during the tough times and the good times. My younger sister still remembers Anne coming to school and reading to her. I remember all the prayer group meetings and lunches with Anne, Barbara, mom, Maureen, Ellen. Her devotion to her God and belief in the Blessed Mother was an inspiration. She will not be forgotten by any of us who’s lives she touched.
Mary Rachel Flynn---Sister of Charity in KS says
Lois, Jeanne, Mary Lou and Joanne: My brother-in-law, John Fechter, sent me the link to your dear mother’s obituary. I read it with fond memories. Even in more recent years, my connections with her were warm–when I’d be home for a visit and meet her again at St. Mary’s church. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers these days as you share your family stories. Your Mom is VERY close to you all, in that “thin space” that my Irish ancestors taught me about!
Mary Kay Madden says
Anne was a lovely person – so kind, considerate, and compassionate. She had a lively interest in everyone’s comings and goings and a deep and sincere faith. She and Rudd were good friends of my parents, Bing and Kay Madden. I too recall all the prayer group meetings and long conversations over lunch with Anne and her special group of women friends. Anne and my parents took an infamous long, long, long car trip to Alaska in the mid-1980’s, camping along the way in my folks’ tent trailer. Many, many stories from that trip! Anne and my Mom shared the same birthday and Anne brought Holy Communion and the birthday song to Mom a week before Kay died in 1990. Anne was one in a million. May her memory be a blessing.
AJ says
I am sorry to hear the passing of Anne. May you be comforted by God’s word in John 5:28, 29 and Acts 24:15 that there will be a resurrection to life of all our dear loved ones.
Kirstin Case says
When I heard about you leaving us I felt really bad. But then Mike looked at me and said, “Your grandma got the present she wanted the most for Christmas….” and he was right.
at almost 103 she had lived such a long, wonderful life. and all is wanted now more than anything was to go up to heaven and live with God and my grandpa. Her wish was granted, and I know deep in my heart that she is looking down on all of us……her golden wings waving, and smiling down on all of us. She promised me she would look out for all of us when she got up there, and I know she is. Thanks for everything Grandma! I love you Roomie!
Tom B says
One of my fondest memories of Gramma Van was a week spent in Helena after my car broke down on the way from Alaska to Oregon for college. We found all kinds of things to do together, including a boat ride up the Missouri to see the Gates of the Mountains, and lots of time spent working in her garden. One day we decided to plant rhubarb and tulip bulbs, and Gram had all the planting instructions for both. As it turns out, we mix up the instructions and the bulbs got planted too deep , and the rhubarb too shallow and upside down. Nevertheless, both the tulips and rhubarb flourished in their sunny bed on the south side of the garage. Just goes to show you that a little love and faith can overcome all of our human shortcomings. Gramma was all about love and faith. We’ll miss you Gram.
Maureen Dineen Fisher says
Dearest Mary Lou, Joanne, Jeanne, Lois and families,
Oh my what a wonderful woman your mother was. Always had a bright smile and warm hugs whenever we met. She was a rock to me growing up and had a positive impact on my childhood and adult life. Her enthusiasm and vibrancy was one never to meet again. I have missed seeing her these past few years at church and other meeting places. Her positive energy will be missed not only by myself, but to everyone that she encountered. God has a special place for her and a Blessing she will be. God Love and Bless you Mrs. Van Sickle, and until we meet again…”May God Hold you in the Palms of His Hands”. Love and Hugs to All!
Mike Skonberg says
I have many fond memories with my Great Grandma Van. I remember when I was a kid in San Francisco she would come visit and stay with us. I remember taking walks with her and getting lost on Haight Ashbury st in San Francisco and seeing some interesting people in the Castro district. I remember driving through Helena with my uncle from Alaska and we broke down there just like my uncle Tom B did in his story. We had to stay for a week waiting for the car parts and Grandma didn’t hesitate to let us stay at her house. She woke us up every morning at 6:30 am with one scrambled egg and toast. But my fondest memory of her is having her at my wedding in Petaluma at my parents house. I am honered to make her a Great Great Grandma with my two children. Very few people live life as full and as graceful as my Great Grandma did and very few people touch your heart and make you wanna be a better person like her. She truly was one of the best people I have ever met. She will be missed deeply, but I know just like in Baseball she will be a first ballot Angel in Heaven. I love you Grandma.
Ron Proul & Family says
Dear Mary Lou, Joanne, Jeanne, Lois and families,
The celebration of her life of faith and caring, I’m sure, will bring many to honor a great lady and caring friend to all. One of my memories as an alter boy at the old St. Mary’s Church was that you could always count on at least one at mass daily your mother. It was particularly sad at small funerals were not many or very few were in attendance, but your Mom was always there with her prayers and support. Truly an example of Christian/Catholic faith, and I think she was given a long life to pass on this example to many!
Patricia (Gregory) Maness says
Mrs. Van Sickle was one great lady. Memories go back to St. Mary’s School to being in Camp Fire Girls with her as our Guardian. She taught us so many things. She sent birthday cards to us for years after. We would visit her when we came to town. I lived in Yakutat Alaska after I was married and still would get a birthday card. In the last few years when I would visit her she remember me and asked how my mother was. She won’t be forgotten. She’ll always be with us.
Ricki Carlson says
When my husband(Anne’s nephew) died in 1972, Anne was the only family member to show my family and me any compassion. Anne has been my friend since then and my mother and I last saw her in Helena when she was closing in on 100. She was an amazing lady and I am forever grateful to her. I hope that I have grown up to be as empathetic and kind as she was. She was a great role model.