Catherine Ann “Kay” Antonietti passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023, with family at her side. A kind and generous lady from an age and era long passed, she always put others first, loved her family dearly, and approached life with a positive attitude and trust in the Lord. In her final years she journeyed through dementia with humor and grace.
Kay was born in Butte, Montana to Ann (Noonan) and Jack Parker on August 7, 1931. She treasured memories of her parents, brother, Jack (Buzzy); sister, Mary Claire; and large extended family. A special highlight in her youth were carefree summers at the Flathead mine with her aunt Kass, uncle Emmett, and dear cousin Eleanor.
In first grade, Kay became fast friends with an amazing group of girls at Immaculate Conception grade school. In 1949, the six graduated from Girls Central High School and then all ventured to Helena where they received nursing degrees from Carroll College in 1952. Throughout the years, the “gang” rendezvoused for an annual “R and R.” They continued that tradition into their eighties!
While working as an usher at the American Theater, Kay was wooed by a handsome Italian, Dan Antonietti. The two married in 1954 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. In 1955, they moved to Missoula with newborn Danny in tow. Nine years later, the growing family returned to Butte with Karen, Laurie, Debbie, Don, and Pat added to the mix. Lynn and Julie completed the clan by 1969. Their home rang with the sounds of piano music, family gatherings, parties, and pinochle club. Dan’s work relocated the family to Billings in 1977 and to Helena in 1980.
After an early nursing career followed by years of homemaking, Kay worked at Shodair Children’s Hospital and then as a family practice office nurse with Doctor Burkholder. She loved her nursing profession and was always at the ready to tend to family, neighbors, and friends.
Kay lived a rich and full life. In Helena, she was a member of “The Church Ladies,” the “Valley Girls,” and the “Coffee Group” from the Cathedral. She played the piano by ear; enjoyed traveling; and spent years escorting Dan to both the Montana State Capitol and to Washington D.C. where he testified and lobbied on veterans’ behalf. In addition, she loved her lifelong volunteer work—in schools, nursing homes, churches, Red Cross, Fort Harrison, Helena Senior Center and more; and adored being “Gram” and “Great-Grandma” to the Antonietti Offspring. A gracious hostess, she was legendary among Butte and Anaconda’s 1990’s legislators for her homemade pasties. She loved to sing, especially Irish songs in honor of her Parker and Noonan relatives! No doubt this year, although late to the party, our blue-eyed, Irish mom kept the St. Patty’s Day celebrations going in heaven.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother and sister; husband; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her great-granddaughter Madilynn Kay Talley. A proud matriarch, she is survived by her children Dan (Joan) of Spokane, WA; Karen (Rich) Buley of Missoula; Laurie (Mike) Hitchcock of Butte; Debbie (Dan) Norhton, Don (Meredith), and Lynn (Lance) Zanto of Helena; Pat of Rockville, MD; and Julie Antonietti (Dan Reddick) of Manhattan, MT. She is also survived by her grandchildren Stephanie, Lily, Eric, Colin (Erin), Brett (Chelsea), Ryan (Bri), Danielle (Nick), Nicole (Cody), Clara, Annie, Shae (Shane), Leigh (Lauden), Kate, Alayna (Jake); 9 great-grandchildren (2 more expected in spring 2023); her cousin Eleanor; and numerous nieces and nephews who were very dear to her. She considered many Touchmark staff as family too, where “Miss Kay” resided for nearly five years. We are grateful to her Nurse Practitioner, Carissa Taylor, who provided tender care in recent years and eased Kay’s peaceful passing.
Family will receive friends at 5:00 p.m., with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Following the graveside service, there will be a reception at Jorgenson’s Restaurant, 1720 11th Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601 or to Helena Food Share, PO Box 943, Helena, MT 59624.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 29, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 29, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday March 30, 2023
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Thursday March 30, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday March 30, 2023
Jorgensons
1714 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 29, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 29, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday March 30, 2023
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Thursday March 30, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday March 30, 2023
Jorgensons
1714 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lance Zanto says
RIP Gram! Heaven has another saint watching over us.
Kathleen Broussard says
We are so very sorry about Kay!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kay was my mom’s very dear friend and we all have wonderful memories of her. We were at many parties in her room and she was so happy to see us always, especially her special friend Kory!!
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Gino Dunfee says
My condolences on the loss of your mom.
Maureen says
So sorry to hear about your moms passing. What a beautiful lady from the inside out. Loved her. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love & prayers,
Mo(Maureen) & Loren Oelkers
Susan and Rich Proul says
Lynn and family..we are so very sorry for the loss of your much loved mom. It’s never easy but we know that she is finally at peace. Sending you all our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in eternal peace
Jim and Sally says
We are so very sorry to hear about ur Mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. 🙏🏼🙏🏼💔💔
Kevin Bartsch says
Lynn, Lance and Family- Please accept our condolences with the passing of your Mom. What a full, well lived life! My Mom always enjoyed being around her! Take care.
Therese Holland says
The first day of school at the Immaculate Conception in Butte the nun sat us in alphabetical order—Catherine Ann Parker, Therese Marie Quirk. Our friendship carried thru GCHS, Carroll, St. James and all of our lifetime since. Our gatherings were filled with Kay at the piano, song and laughter–any occasional need for tears was shared by ‘our gang’, we understood family and each other. We have been blessed with years beyond our expectation. So, all you kids—please join in a libation as our group always did, to your Mother, my dearest friend, Catherine Ann Cecelia—-cheers, zivio and GOD BLESS US ALL!!! Lamb
Shaun Tatarka says
RIP to one of THE all-time great mothers and an all-around kind and loving person. Her love of laughter, her family and her friends will live forever. (I forgive you Kay for making me eat sausage on our 1977 California trip. 😉 ). I have so many great memories of this fine lady. As her son Pat would say “I will cherish the memories forever.” 😉 Blessed to have known her and her wonderful family.
Patti (McDonald) Marshall says
To all the Antonietti Family, you are all in my prayers. Your Mom was such a kind and loving person and forever patient with all of you guys as well as all the neighbor kids. I know she will be forever missed. You are all a testament to her wonderful qualities. God bless.
Maureen H Shawver says
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of Kay. My mom, Mary Gabse, and Kay were friends throughout their lives together in Helena. So now my mother and Kay are reunited. God bless them. My prayers and thoughts are with Kay and her loved ones. Sincerely, Maureen Shawver
Orpha Smigaj says
Kay had a fun side to her and was a great pinocle player. I was a nurse’s aide working at Shodair Children’s Hospital as a 17-year-old. She taught me how to play Pinocle working the night shift at the hospital. We would do all of our cares for the children, get them settled in bed, then we would put the table in the middle of the hallway so we could hear our patients if they needed us and play pinocle until it was time to tend to the children. She always put everyone else before her in every aspect of her life. She was a kind, caring, gentle woman who taught me to be the nurse I am today. I am forever grateful for Kay she was a wonderful mentor and friend, an amazing mother who spoke so kindly of her family and was so proud of them. I am so sorry for your loss; she will be deeply missed.
Karen (Harvey)Ferguson says
I will miss seeing sweet Kay’s smile. I wish you all peace and thank you for your kindness to mother(Alice) when you were visiting your mom.
Jack and Susan Campbell says
We loved this lady with all our hearts. Kay and Dan were the best neighbors we ever had. She treated us as family and our great grandson (pre teen) always asked about her and would stop in to check on her when he came to visit. We will miss her and send prayers to her large extended family.
Jack and Susan Campbell and family.
Gregor Mauritius says
So sorry for your loss of your mom. To all of the Antonietti Family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin C Culum says
Blessed by the graciousness of your Mom in my life. We always knew safety and kindness when we visited the Antonietti home. Joining you all in prayers filled with Joy and of thanks.
Kathy Dungan says
Dearest Karen, when I look at your momma’s picture, I can see her sweetness shine through her gentle smile and sparkling eyes. What an angel! She will shine on you always and you and your family will be wrapped in her love. These are such tender days, ripe with grief but also a deep love that I hope comforts you and your family. Peace, my friend, Kathy
Bev Reiner says
Karen and family,
I can only imagine the embrace she got upon arrival and a whispered “well done my good and faithful servant.” Prayers that your quiet time of reflection is filled with loving memories of your sweet Mom🙏
Amy Knutson says
Kay was a beloved mother to all, the twinkliest eyed woman I’ve ever met and the person who made everyone in her midst, the best possible version of themselves by her shining example!!
Rest easy dear Kay…..your work here is done! Give Big Dan a hug knowing that you raised a wonderful family together along with countless of your kids’ friends!!
Much love and gratitude!!
Diane and Budd WIlliams says
Kay was a dear, sweet lady. I always liked visiting with her, she had a good word to say, no matter what. Although I didn’t see her often, I will miss her.
Our deepest sympathy. Diane and Budd Williams
M.J. Kello says
My thoughts and prayers are with all my cousins and their families at Kay’s passing. She and Dan raised a wonderful family, and growing up I fondly looked up to them and their children. Such good times were had at holidays or picnics, or visits from Butte to Billings or Helena. May God hold each of you in the palm of his hand and bring you peace and comfort as you grieve. Much love to you all. <3
ellie hardy says
Karen and Rich and family I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of visiting Kay and Dan and all your family for some holiday gatherings after moving to Helena. They were so gracious. And Kay’s piano playing was the best. Peace and love, Ellie
Jackie Floding MacDonald says
Lynn, sorry to see the passing of your mom, prayers to you and your family.
Germaine Trenary says
Dear Antonietti family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Kay was a very special person, so sweet, kind and thoughtful.
We were good friends and I have memories of many special times we spent together, wonderful memories of singing, laughing and raising our families. What a great friendship. Weather may keep us from attending the funeral but know we will be there in spirit. We send prayers and hugs to all.
Linda (Frazer) & Mike Birtles says
Dear Antonietti Cousins and Families – Mike and I are sending you our deepest sympathy and we regret we can’t make it to the service in Helena. Kay will be missed by so many. This world is a little sadder without her smile and twinkling blue eyes, but imagine the greeting in heaven! Loud Butte welcomes with Fr. Bob’s booming voice and warm embraces from Uncle Dan and mom and Jack and all the other faces from her life – of course they’re all there. Doesn’t everybody from Butte make it to heaven? Maybe we’ll find out one day, but I can only be so grateful Aunty Kay was always part of my life. She spread her love to anyone who met her. A grand lady! Many toasts will be raised to your dear mom’s memory. Slainte!!
Katie White says
My deepest condolences to The Antonietti Family on the passing of Kay. I met Kay at The Montana Historical Society many years ago. She was one of the first volunteers I met in my new job and she was so sweet and kind to me. She was always so welcoming and friendly. She volunteered for many years and was such an asset to the Society. I consider myself lucky to have worked with her. We had many wonderful conversations, and you could always tell how much she loved her family when talking with her. She was generous with her time, a wonderful baker, and truly an amazing person.
David Jacobs says
Lynn and Family –
So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Theresa Stahly says
Lynn, Lance and Family- I am sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you find comfort in your memories of your Mom and her life well lived. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurie M Holland says
I am so sorry to hear about Kay’s passing. She was a wonderful person who raised great children. I knew Kay from St. Patricks and her son Dan, I remember the 8th grade party at their house on Silver St. I got to know Kay better when she and Mary C would come to Bellingham to visit Eleanor, they kindly invited me to lunch or to just come over and visit. Kay was one in a million, so nice and had a really good since of humor. It was always so much fun to listen to El and Mary Clare and Kay talk about the old days. Since El was the only child she always thought of Kay and Mary Claire as sisters. I felt honored to always be included in their outings, may Kay RIP, great lady, great mother and grandmother and a outstaning human being, she will be missed.
Jim & Carol says
Lynn, Debbie & Family – We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts as you mourn your mom’s passing and celebrate her memory.