Mary Carla Wambach was born on December 29, 1930 and passed away on May 9, 2020. Carla was born, raised and educated in Detroit, MI. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Wambach, and they raised three children: Bobi, Carl and Rhonda.
Carla lived and taught school in many states. She earned a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education at the University of Montana. In Helena, she taught at Smith Elementary School. She retired after teaching 43 years.
Carla was an award-winning educator. She received awards from Promoting Enrichment Activities for Kids (PEAK), Montana Environmental Education Association (MEEA), Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Audubon Society, and The National Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.
Music and dance delighted Carla throughout her rich and full life. After retirement, Carla married Ed Eaton, and they danced their way into many people’s hearts. Carla always felt life was good!
If you are unable to attend Carla’s Celebration of Life, you may watch Live which OPENS at 12:45 pm, or at any time there after Below:
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Saturday July 24, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
HELENA, MT 59602-7630
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Rebekka says
Carla,
You were a big part of my life. We worked on our master’s together and you were always a great resource. We also folk danced together for so many years. I will hold tight to all my memories with you. You were always so upbeat and ready to tackle anything. The world was a better place with you in it. I am so glad you were in my life. I offer my condolences to your children and grandchildren. They were lucky to have you in their lives. My thoughts are with Ed and all of your family.
Jane and Doug says
oh my, Carla’s face was a joy to behold when she came into a room with live Irish tunes!!! Never will we forget how her smiles would light up, she would wink at Ed, and dance a waltz as long as we could play it…never flagging, always smiling and laughing. Thank you for your wonderful spirit and joy you spread all around you. Laugh and dance into eternity, dear one, and you will always be remembered in our Helena Irish session circle.
Ed, we are with you in spirit and will find you to hug, once we can come back into TMH for visits!
Liz Burke says
Carla, you have been a dear friend over the years. I am so glad Marcella introduced you to me and our family. I know somewhere, you are dancing up a storm. What an amazing example as an educator “Always do something a little extra” and a wonderful mother and grandmother.
Braedon and I have enjoyed singalongs with you and Ed at TMH.
For someone of shorter stature, you sure made a BIG difference in this world.
I will always think of you telling us…”Full speed, ahead!”
Teri Vore says
So many years of seeing Carla dance with such joy at Bear hug.
Susan Mittelstadt says
We loved playing for Carla and Ed.
Sarah says
We miss Carla’s joy and energy at Irish Dancing. Such a treat to have known her. She and Ed taught us a lot about living every day in happiness.
Richard H. (Dick) Schaus & Jean Helps says
Zippity doo dah, zippity day,
my oh my what a wonderful day…
Thanks for brightening our hearts and lives, Carla
Seldom Paid Jammers says
Carla, we will miss the joy and light you, and Ed, always brought with you to our jam sessions. Thank you for your enthusiasm and laughter and faithful following over the years. When you danced you always stole the show, now we know you are waltzing with the angels.
Del Lonnquist says
Carla & Ed, Ed & Carla, the pair danced as we played at AARP events, nursing homes and the Daily Dinner Club in Helena. What good memories.
Del Lonnquist
Kari Gunderson says
Carla was one of the most inspirational environmental educators I’ve ever had the pleasure to know and work with through the Montana Environmental Education Association. She always displayed such a can do attitude, and a zest for life and teaching. Montana is a better place because of all the children she shared her joy for nature … and birds. Just think of the multiplying effect of all those school-age children that she influenced and helped nurture an appreciation for the natural world. I will miss her energy.
Rhea Armstrong says
Carla shared her love of birds and Montana in programs given many times at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Her enthusiasm, smile and knowledge were a delight to behold. To all of her family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Ferg says
It was always a pleasure to see Carla and Ed, they came to so ma ny dances, and functions within a couple hundred miles, I always played a waltz for them, & the crowd enjoyed
watching, them, including the musicians she will be missed, and will be waltzing up there, God bless, Gary Ferguson “FERG”,
Virginia Wille says
Such a fine, fun, feisty, friend! We enjoyed Irish Dancing, and encouraging elementary age children to dance! Dinners together, especially fondu we’re so much fun! What a gem!
Dave Cogley says
Interesting how you sometimes remember the first time you met someone. Years ago some of us were playing music at the Lewis and Clark caverns, and we started playing instrumentally an old Hank Williams spiritual called Gathering Flowers for the Master’s Bouquet when this couple rose up and started waltzing, the most beautiful dancing I had ever seen. Twisting and turning with such eloquent moves! Only then did I realize this “spiritual” tune was also a great waltz tune. Ed and Carla could not resist responding with their beautiful dancing, and we’ve played many a waltz since then just for them.
Shawna Donaldson says
Carla you’re smile, happiness, and dancing with Ed will be greatly missed. I always loved when you & Ed would join us for music and events with the seniors. You were such a joy to visit with and watch dance.
Jim Stearns says
It was wonderful knowing Carla as an elementary school teacher in Helena. Later, I would see her when she would give programs at Lewis & Clark Caverns. We were good friends; I will miss her; she’ll always hold a special place in my heart. May God Bless Us All.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Ed, you and Carla touched many lives with your joy of life and dancing. I am as your banker for many years and you be th took many trips with us thru the Summit Club, Elite Travel Club and Diamond Destinations! You two were even finalists in one of our talent shows dancing your beautiful waltz!
We danced together at many events also. Carl, you were an aw esome husband and caretaker for Carla.
Thankyou for bringing joy to so many hearts!
Peg Hunter says
I have fond memories of working with Carla at Montana Science Institute and the PEAK program. Carla, little “energizer bunny,” you were always full of enthusiasm and deep dedication to teaching. In later years, you and Ed could be counted on to tear up the dance floor wherever you followed the music. Ed, condolences to you. Carla, keep on dancing!
Rudy Strobbe says
Linda and I will never Waltz without thinking of Carla and Ed!
Paul and Becky Donaldson says
Carla approached every day, every project with joy and enthusiasm. A wonderful person and educator. The planet is surely a better place for all she brought to it. No doubt she will be missed by many.
Jeffrey Tiberi says
We lost a very bright light. Carla brought much joy to our world and will be sorely missed.
Mary and Gary Spaulding says
Gary and I always loved watching you and Ed dancing at the Butte Folk Festival. I will always remember your beautiful smile and friendly and welcoming demeanor as I would run into you around Helena. It was a pleasure talking with you over the years as I raised my four sons at both Smith and Central grade schools. Learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I will miss you.
Shawn Swift says
Mrs. Wambach was my third grade teacher at Smith Elementary in Helena. I always considered her to be one of my favorite teachers as she displayed kindness and empathy as an educator. I remember her being firm while having patience and adoration toward her students. And she had a beautiful smile. What a lovely woman. Rest peacefully, Mrs. Wambach.
Deb Johnson says
My deepest sympathy to Carla’s family. As a fellow teacher, I got to know Carla through workshops with which she was involved. I also had contact with her through the Montana Wild program where I represented my school for many years. I had her come to my class a couple of times to give presentations about animals. My students and I both enjoyed and learned from her. She sent me a newspaper clipping and congratulations once when I was in the paper for an education award. It impressed me how she cared enough to do that! Most recently I’d see her at Capital Health Club where we would visit now and then. She talked about how much she and Ed enjoyed dancing and I went to witness that one night at the Eagles. It was fun to see them enjoying themselves. She was a wonderful, giving person and so full of passion for teaching and for wildlife. She will be missed.
Marcy Carroll says
Carla and I taught 3rd grade at Smith for 3 maybe 4 years?? However the memorable moments came when we traveled together: A weekend cross country skiing at a place I can’t remember, coming down a slope too steep for either of us, we separated and ended in different snowbanks. I pulled myself out first to see her stuck head first off to my left. We laughed too much to get back on our skis right away.
She visited me in Colorado where we rode the Durango to Silverton train, a coal burning locomotive, Later we ate barbecued ribs with our fingers at an outdoor table. Another trip took us to Nebraska to see the sandhill cranes at dawn, and then laughing with tears in our eyes as hundreds of the birds took off together for the days feed.
The greatest adventure was in China, where I was finishing 4 years of teaching. We spent 3 weeks traveling by train to the major sights but the climax was near the limestone mountains south of Guilin. The scenery was/is breathtaking, the road was flat and relatively uncrowded so we rented bicycles for a lovely ride. We returned to Yangshuo to return the bikes, I was ahead of her and the next thing I knew a young man ran up to me to tell me Carla had had an accident. A pedicab darted into the road in front of her, as they were in the habit of doing. She turned and fell with the bicycle into a small ditch. The men in the pedicab picked her up and hustled her off the the hospital while I returned the bikes and hired my own cab to follow. She was dazed, in shock, I think. While the doctor, who appeared to be 13 years old, examined her, the small room was crowded with pedicab drivers, curious patients from the hospital, me of course, altogether 9 people watching the process. She became more alert as time went on (waiting for the X-ray to be ready, the X-ray reader to return from supper….). She got a bandage on her chin and the dislocated finger was given a yank by the doctor to replace it and she was done.
She was a great traveler, flexible when plans changed and never fussy about making do when things weren’t as we had hoped. Wonderful memories.
Katie Connors says
Mrs Wambach was my 3rd grade teacher at Smith School. I remember she would give everyone samplings for Earth Day and my parents still have some of those trees in their yard. She also arranged for a golden eagle that was killed by a car to be displayed at Smith, I remember thinking that was so cool. We talked a lot about nature in her class. She seemed to have endless energy and was always kind. Rest in peace.
Lana Anderson says
Carla was my daughter’s 3rd grade teacher. Whenever I volunteered for her class I never wanted to leave because I loved the excitement and liveliness she exuded. That was just the beginning, though. In later years whenever she saw me she would grab my attention to whatever she was working on. Just a bundle of energy, even in our Zumba classes. She will certainly be missed by the Helena community.
Rosanna Finley says
When I think of all the people who have been so very lucky to have known Carla, it’s harder to imagine than how many M&M’s are in a huge jar. She was always just determined to lift you up – whether school children, young adults learning the arts, all creatures great and small, her friends, or just whoever was available! 3 generations of my family alone have been blessed to know her. And Carla and Ed were a special and cherished part of our Irish music community. The first tune I intend to really practice when I can will be Carla’s Waltz, written by Will for her 80th birthday.
She was my first friend outside of work when I moved to Helena 32 years ago – dancing of course! She came to most of the contra dances – later with Ed, and also helped with putting on the dances. But we also just hung out together off and on – a meal, a hike, a concert, or whatever. She was 20 yrs older than me, but I was the one needing a nap afterwards, just from absorbing her enthusiasm! She told me many stories of her life, always in the spirit of generously sharing her wisdom, which I gladly did.
I’ll miss calling her up when she’s not home – instead of the typical “please leave a message”, she’d compose her own little happy song appropriate to the season.
ED, take comfort that her spirit will live on in our fortunate community and wild places.
Carla – Soar with the eagles, dear friend
Jess Haas, MEEA Board of Directors says
Carla’s Family,
Please know that Carla’s legacy with the Montana Environmental Education Association lives on! Though I was not on the board when Carla won her lifetime service award through MEEA, the environmental education community still remembers her passion and spirit when it came to getting students outside.
Thank you, Carla, for everything you did to enhance the opportunity for students to connect with nature.
Erin Williams says
Carla was my 3rd Grade teacher in the late 70’s. I adored her and kept in touch with her-here and there over the years. She was the first teacher to give me homework (I think because she knew I really wanted it) I felt so accomplished! Thank you Carla for teaching and caring about all of us “children” over the years.
You will be missed.
Hal Harper says
Ed, seeing you and Carla most every day always brightened them for both me and my mother, Dorothy. We are so sorry for your loss, and wish Carla the very best on her journey across the great divide! Hope to see you soon, Ed.
Angela Clark says
Carla was a life long learner and educator who had such enthusiasm for everything she did! I enjoyed seeing Carla when she was in our schools. She epitomizes the word “teacher”.
Donna Weldon says
I found her programs at the caverns very informative, but i really enjoyed was watching her and Ed dance. What joy lit us her face and that passed joy along to us.
She will be missed.
Helen Flath says
Carla has been a dear friend for over half a century. Our friendship began as second grade teachers in Missoula, MT, in 1968. Her enthusiasm for teaching inspired me for life, as well as her love for dancing! Carla once shared with me: “To Be a Star, You Must Shine, Your Own Light, Follow Your Own Path, And Don’t Worry, About the Darkness, For That is When Stars, Shine Brightest! CARLA WAS A STAR!
Dianne Lee Nickman says
Carla was an exceptional teacher with as much stamina as the Energizer bunny. She was also a friend – loyal, fun, and always up for adventure, especially if she could somehow tie that adventure into teaching. She was fierce in her efforts to enhance her students’ learning opportunities. Roadkill with feathers on it? Hit the brakes – she saw its potential as an addition to her taxidermy collection. Hike over Mt Helena? ID the plants and butterflies. Somebody mention bison? She was quick to bring out the mittens her daughter Rhonda made for her out of bison hair Carla collected while working in Yellowstone Park. Carla loved her children, her students and teaching, music, and dancing, especially with Ed. She was generous of spirit – I never heard her say anything bad about anyone. She considered herself lucky to be a teacher and her students considered themselves lucky – what other teacher would X-C ski to school with them? I will always remember her – and her favorite mantras: “Teachers touch the future” and “Full speed ahead”.
Marilyn Alexander says
Carla was an energetic environmental elementary school educator who infused excitement into all her classes.
Pat says
When I think of Carla, I think of energy and passion for dance, birding, and whatever she might be working on. She handed off the scrapbook for the Helena International Affairs Council activities, and I always think of her in terms of being a welcoming representative on behalf of her town. And I remember her pride in her granddaughter who danced professionally. I can’t imagine Carla resting in peace. Dancing maybe.
Sirguey Martine says
Sweet memory from Carla’s French daughter, Martine