Connie Jean Smigaj passed peacefully on April 27, 2018, at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 8, 1940 in Helena, Montana to Samuel J. and Martha A. Bogard and was raised in the “Sixth Ward” along with her brother and three sisters. Connie attended school at St. Helena Cathedral.
In 1960, she married Allan C. Smigaj in Helena, Montana. They made their home in Helena, Montana where together they raised their five daughters. Summers were spent at their cabin in Marysville, camping in Dog Creek and many fun- filled days picking huckleberries at the North Fork of the Blackfoot. She excelled at being the best wife, mother and grandmother anyone could ever dream of having.
Many weekends were spent with Allan, Frank and Jan in Marysville four-wheeling and playing cards. Sunday dinners will be remembered as a time to get family together for large meals which Connie enjoyed preparing. She enjoyed reading, scary movies, gardening and spending time with her family.
Connie is survived by her sister, Martha (Bubs) Moodie; daughters, Rebecca (Rick) Casteel, Mary Smigaj, Lisa (Marc) Duncan, Gina (Sverre) Johansen, grandchildren; Lili and Max Casteel, Tom and Mike Bisom, Seth Ringstad, Austin and Erica Duncan, Even and Alyssa Johansen, Olivia, Alex and Eaden Stewart.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, Martha and Samuel Bogard; loving husband, Allan Smigaj; daughter, Martha Stewart and granddaughter, Alicia Duncan; siblings, Rosie Lindstrom, Dorie Kuhl and Joe Bogard.
Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 3rd, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave. A Vigil Service will be at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Friday, May 4th at Saint Mary Catholic Community with a burial following at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. The reception will follow the burial at the Fort Harrison Service Club. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Connie’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday May 3, 2018
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
5:30 p.m.
Thursday May 3, 2018
St. Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Friday May 4, 2018
St. Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday May 4, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday May 4, 2018
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday May 3, 2018
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
5:30 p.m.
Thursday May 3, 2018
St. Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Friday May 4, 2018
St. Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday May 4, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday May 4, 2018
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Merry Lou Casteel says
Love you Connie, rest in peace!
Mike Knowles says
Aunt Connie was an angel on earth and is now one in heaven. My memories of her go back past 50 years. She was always so sweet and caring and I loved her infectious laugh. Connie and Allan raised five of the most wonderful daughters and cousins that I cherish to this day. I will always love her and will miss her dearly.
With Love,
Mike Knowles
Shellie Blakely says
Im sorry i wasnt able to visit you before you past. Ive been trying since i moved back in November. I m sorry for the loss.. I love the whole family. Been along time since ive seen any of you. Love Shellie
Rick O’Connell says
Smiglets. Sure sorry for your loss. Her smile brightened up the day. You girls have another guardian angel. We’ll miss her.
Rick and Jan
Theresa Corbett says
Becky, Mary, Lisa and Gina. I am so sorry about your Mom’s passing and I know how your hearts are breaking. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. One of the things I loved most about Aunt Connie was her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Rest in peace Connie and say hi to my Dad for me. With love, Theresa
Terry and Ed Senecal says
Becky, Mary, Lisa and Gina – Been thinking of you girls lately…Hugs to all of you – Connie will be missed…but what a reunion she is having now….Ed and Terry
Becky Bass says
Becky and Family sorry for your loss my friend I will always remember what a wonderful person your mom was she always made me laugh and the times or time I got to go with you camping was one of the best memories I ever had praying the lord holds you so tight and gives you surpassing peace hugs to you love Becky Bass