Catherine Amelia Schell was born on Dec. 28, 1931 in Rugby, ND to Joseph and Mary Schell. She passed on February 7, 2021 with her husband Peter at her side, as always.
Catherine lived in North Dakota for 12 years. In 1944 the family moved to East Helena, MT. Catherine along with two of her siblings (Eddie and Betty) came to East Helena on a “Troop Train”. Catherine and her sister Betty lived with friends until their mother came later. The trip was often reminisced about, as it was an incredibly stressful period and created a special bond between the two sisters.
Catherine graduated 8th grade from East Helena public school and later graduated from Helena Cathedral High School in 1949. She worked from graduation until 1954 for Montana Fish and Game.
Catherine married Peter Petek III on July 18,1953 at St. Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena. Like so many others in those years, as the times dictated, Peter was on a 30 day leave from the Navy for their wedding. They have been happily together until her passing.
She was an active member in St. Cyril and Methodius Church throughout her life. She often enjoyed reading at Masses and supporting the church in many other facets. She was a Lector at funerals and on weekends for over 20 years.
Whenever sports were the topic of conversation, she would often seize the opportunity to reminisce about her 1951 State Championship Softball team. She spoke fondly of her time on the team and the great relationships she shared. As Catherine was happiest in her home with family and friends present. She did enjoy, and felt so fortunate, to take many trips around the world with her husband and friends.
Catherine enjoyed dancing and country music. She would nightly, take control of the TV remote, and listen to country music before bed. If, for no other reason, than to turn the golf channel off.
Catherine enjoyed baking for her family and friends, embroidery, and playing games with all. She was happiest when she was bringing a smile to the faces of the young…. Often with the aid of her famous chocolate chip cookies.
Catherine is survived by her husband: Peter, siblings: Fred, Ray Schell and Betty Didriksen, her four children: Robert (Debbie), Richard (Diane), Debra, Daniel (Cynthia), grandchildren: Richard Smith Jr., Christopher, Chad, Lindsey, Chelsey, Chance, Ashli, Casey, Tyler Petek, and great grandchildren: Jazmyn Smith, Quentin and Maisie Petek. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Edward, Joseph Schell and Rosemary Kelley, and great granddaughter Cori Smith.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Ann’s Cemetery, PO Box 525 or St. Cyril and Methodius Church, PO Box 1110, both in East Helena, MT 59635
Services will be held on Monday, February 15, 2021 at SS Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena (120 W. Riggs). Viewing will be at 11:00 a.m. followed by a rosary at 11:35 a.m. The funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m., all at the church. Immediately following the service, the interment will be at Saint Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in East Helena.
Thank you for all your cares and concerns.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rosary
11:35 a.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Monday February 15, 2021
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rosary
11:35 a.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Monday February 15, 2021
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Karleen Rathmann says
Aunt Catherine kept me on the straight and narrow one summer when I would have surely gone astray. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t, for an 18 year old, that was huge. You probably didn’t know how much I appreciated it when you accepted me as one of your own kids. I really did appreciate you moving me from G’ma’s house to the YWCA, boy, did I learn a lot there! Love you, Tell my dad we miss him, May You Rest In Peace
l, Karleen
Steven J. Chesley says
Debbie and family, we express our deepest condolences to you at the passing of your mother. We will keep you all in our prayers that you will receive comfort from the memories that you have of her.
Steven and Breta Chesley
Connie (Sands) Jerome says
Rich and family – I am so sorry for the loss of your mother.
May your fondest memories be safely stored in your heart.
May God comfort your hearts during this time of sadness.
I’m praying for you.
Bill Coddington says
Dear Debby so sorry to read about your mother’s passing. God bless.
Scott St. Clair says
Peter & Family My condolences to you and yours. It always touches me when we lose one of the old guard East Helenans, there aren’t many left. You folks will be in my thoughts. Scott
Bill Dolan says
Rich and family, on behalf of the Dolan families our deepest condolences on your Mother’s passing. I’ll always cherish her kindness and spirituality. We were all so lucky to have grown up in East Helena and had such wonderful roll models like Mrs. Petek. Rest in peace. Bill Dolan
Barbara Bessler says
Our thoughts and prayers to all of Catherine’s family and the people whose lives she touched. She will be missed.
Paul and Barbara Bessler
Jean Stump Strainer and Anthony Strainer says
Peter and Family – our condolences to you on Catherine’s passing. Anthony has many fond memories of the times your family and his family spent together in the “good old days”. My Mom Lucy always spoke fondly of Catherine and their lifelong friendship. May God bless you with an abundance of wonderful memories of the times you shared together, and may the perpetual light shine upon her.
Judy and Leonard Ober says
Peter So sorry for you loss. I really enjoyed visiting with Catherine Prayers and thoughts are with you
Joe Schell says
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Aunt Catherine. We wish Uncle Peter and all of the family and friends peace, fond memories, and prayers of gratitude for the life of this strong and faithful woman. With love, Joe Schell, Xee, Anna, and Abby, Bothell, WA
Sherry Cladouhos says
Peter and family,
We were saddened to hear of Catherine’s passing.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherry and Tom Cladouhos
Ardis Kokoruda
Mary Brydich says
Peter and Family – We are so sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing. You two made such an amazing team. I have so many fond memories over the years from working with Catherine through the E.H. VFW Auxiliary and Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Hunthausen Family says
The Petek Family is so important to our growing up on West Groschell Street-so many friendships forged. Catherine and our Mom were very good friends, and we remember fondly the stability and love she stood for. The older in our group walked by Petek s house every day to and from school at St. Ann’s. We are sorry for your loss, and East Helena has lost one of the last great matriarchs from our time. They’re no doubt all having fun in heaven, sharing stories of raising all of us. Blessings and condolences from the Tony and Harriet Hunthausen Family
Bob and Ceit Murgel says
To Peter and all the family, we will never forget Catherine.