Carmel Ann (Monaco) Martello passed away on April 11, 2018. Ann’s journey in life began in Cantalupo nel Sannio, Italy on February 12, 1920. From this beautiful mountainous region of Italy, her family immigrated to the mountains of Montana. At age 8, Ann and her father, Guy, mother Lucia and 2 year old brother, Mario (Red), boarded a ship to America. Upon arrival at Ellis Island, Ann remembered being alone for hours holding tightly her little brother while her parents were being processed.
The family settled in Anaconda and Ann quickly adopted to life in America. During World War II, she worked at Fort Missoula as an Italian translator for the Army. Immediately following the war she would meet the love of her life. While attending a wedding with her date in May, 1946 she caught the eye of Ed Martello, who likewise was attending the wedding with his date. It was love at first sight and 4 months later on September 7, 1946 they were married. Ann’s journey from Italy brought her full circle when she married a Martello, whose family also emigrated from the same small town in Italy.
Ann and Ed settled in Helena where they raised their three children, Marianne, Judy and Tom. Once her youngest child was in school, Ann began working for the then Secretary of State, Frank Murray. Upon retirement, she and Ed enjoyed traveling, especially visiting her brother Mario who lived in Las Vegas.
Ann’s life centered around her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The light of her life were babies. Whenever Ann would see a baby or small child, her face would come alive with joy.
Ann was a gourmet Italian cook and showed her love for family through her cooking. Many wonderful times were enjoyed around the dining room table with family and friends.
Ann’s legacy is immeasurable. She was the matriarch of a loving and very close knit Italian family. We are all so thankful for all the many good times together. We will always carry her in our hearts with wonderfully good memories. As mom would say: “Why should I lie, it’s the truth”.
Ann is preceded in death by parents, Guy and Lucia; husband, Ed; sister Ellen Robbins; sister-in-law JoAnne Monaco; brothers-in-law, Jack Robbins, Alfred, Angelo, Albert and Joe Martello and son-in-law Dick Hamel. She is survived by daughters, Marianne Hamel and Judy (John) Hickey; son Tom (Rene) Martello; brothers, Mario and Guy (Dotsie) Monaco, brother-in-law John (Jean) Martello, sister-in-law Jerre Martello and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A vigil will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 19th at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs St. in East Helena. A luncheon will follow the Mass at the church. Following the luncheon, Rite of Committal will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Helena. Memorials in honor of Ann are suggested to Florence Crittenton, 901 N Harris St, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Thursday April 19, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday April 19, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Luncheon
Thursday April 19, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Thursday April 19, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday April 19, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Luncheon
Thursday April 19, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
RL says
I am sorry for the family’s loss. The death of a loved one is never an easy thing to cope with, no matter what their age. Perhaps you can find some solace in knowing that Ann has the opportunity to live again. (John 5:28, 29)
Diane says
Tom and family:
I was sorry to learn that your mom passed away. She was a wonderful person and there is a hole in the hearts of many people in Helena because of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God bless you all. With deepest sympathy, Diane Pedersen and family.
Linda Kindrick says
Marianne and family – your mom had a long and terrific life with the best caregivers one could ask for. She will always be in your hearts and on your minds. God will be with you all.
Roberta Stipcich says
Marianne: Please know that I am with you and your family during this time of grief. Your mom is with the Lord — may she Rest In Peace.
Dudley williams says
Condolences to the Martello’s family.Sorry about your mother ,and grandma.
Darlene Miller Scott says
Marianne, I m so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was always such a nice person. You and your family have my sincere sympathy.
Eileen McKittrick Sletten says
So sorry for the Martello and Monaco families. I remember Ann from my younger days! Rest In Peace Ann!
Gary Robbins says
Auntie you will be missed so much. Great memories spent at the house in Helena with my cousin Tom on the corner of Butte and Montana. Nice place for a kid from Butte to hang out in the summer. Hope they have a Casino in Heaven for you and my mom Ellen your sister to gamble. God bless you Auntie and say hello to my Uncle Eddy too.
Mary Pat Dutton says
My other mother! Ann had a profound and positive impact on my life. I have wonderful memories of time spent in the house at 730 N. Montana Ave. – a home filled with voices, love and the smell of amazing Italian cooking. I can’t help but smile thinking of Ann. Her’s truly was a life well lived.
Diana Stewart says
Nonnie,
What a bright loving lady. Always there with love and honesty. She was one to tell ya what for and how you were going to receive it. She lived her days with spunk and spry. Nonnie you will be missed. Thanks for all the good times!
Millissa Riggin says
Tom I’m very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. It’s difficult losing our parents. My heart grieves with you.
Shawna Donaldson says
Marianne,
Your mom was a great lady! I loved her spunk and enjoyed visiting with her when she would come up to the Senior Center to have lunch. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you during as you mourn her passing.
HELEN FANDRICH says
Marianne — I was so sorry to hear of your Mother’s death – she lived a long life and I remember her as a real lady. These are tough days for many of us but time will heal.