In the evening of March 18th, 2020, nine days short of her 104th birthday, Edith Radcliffe (Edie), with family by her side, passed at St. Peters Health after a very brief illness. She was born Edith Kathleen Bauer, March 27th, 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio to Louis F. and Clara Bell Bauer. She joined her 4-year-old brother, Clarence Bauer.
The Bauer family, with Edie and Clarence, migrated west to Montana for health reasons and homesteaded in the Boulder Valley to join other family members. Times were tough and winters were cold which forced the family to move to Helena for work. At the age of two, Edie lost her father, Louis, to a railroad accident. Years later, a wonderful man, Fred G. Zimmerman, would marry Clara and raise Edie and her brother Clarence as his own. A sister Helen and brother Fred Jr. joined the family.
Edie attended school in Helena but quit high school to help her mother. She worked at Fligelman’s Department Store and Eddies Bakery in Helena. While reluctantly attending a dance for the soldiers training at Fort Harrison for the First Special Service Force, Edie met Lt. Taylor Mark Radcliffe, a handsome young soldier from Utah. September 3rd, 1942, one month after their love at first sight, Mark and Edie were married. Mark deployed shortly afterwards. Carolyn was born while Mark was at war and Bob followed three years later. Helena became home. Edie was a homemaker and her family was paramount to her being. Carolyn and Bob grew up in a loving nurturing home with a wonderful Mother.
Our Mother was a classy lady; she always wore a hat, gloves and jewelry when going out. Until the day she died, she always had to have her earrings on. She loved silver jewelry, collecting things like dolls and tea pots, garage sales, square dancing, camping, fishing, and her animals, especially Siamese cats.
Edie and Mark lived on the east shore of Canyon Ferry Lake for 18 years before moving back into Helena. With Mark still working, Edie felt isolated and at age 60, she got her first drivers license and signed up for swimming lessons at Carroll College. Retirement encompassed traveling in their motor home to Arizona. They also purchased a park model home in St. George, Utah where they spent a few months each winter enjoying square dancing with friends. These were her favorite years.
In 2005 Edie and Mark moved to the then, Waterford Retirement Home. They lived there independently until Mark’s death in 2012. They were close to celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Edie remained at Waterford (Touchmark) until she turned 100, then she moved to the Legacy Assisted Living. We cannot thank the Legacy family enough for the love and care they gave our Mother until her passing.
Edith is preceded in death by her husband Mark, brothers Clarence Bauer and Fred Zimmerman Jr., and sister Helen Zimmerman Munson.
She is survived by her children Carolyn (Chuck) Doering of Helena and Bob L. Radcliffe of Townsend. Her grandchildren Annette (Randy) McDowell of Bozeman, Lynne (John) Armbruster of Helena and Mark (Anna) Radcliffe of Cardwell. Eight great grandchildren; Brandon, Drew and Lauryn McDowell; Lexi, Bailey and Nolan Armbruster and Ivar and Iain Radcliffe and one great-great grandson, Kellan McDowell.
Because of the health considerations in this country, a private service with burial at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery will take place at a later date. Our Mother would love for donations to be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society at 2112 E. Custer Ave, Helena Montana, in lieu of flowers and in Edie’s memory.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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rose piper says
Carolyn and Bob I’m so sorry to hear of mom’s paassing. She was a very lovely lady always very kind to everyone. I enjoyed our many talks that we had while she was at touchmark and the times I got to come see her at Legacy. She will be truly missed. Rose Piper.
Crystal Gray says
Sorry to hear about the passing of Edith, she was a beautiful person. I would sit and chat with her after visiting with my own mom (Myrth) out in the foyer. she was always a delight and would share her adventures. May peace find you. She will always be watching down on you.
Kathy Kershner says
What an amazing life Edie lived. I have wonderful memories of Edie and Mark as they were my grandparent’s friends, Cora and Grant Crossman. I can remember a beautiful day spent at their cabin on the lake and many parties and evenings spent with my grandparents and Edie and Mark. Blessings to the whole family.
Jo Berg says
Carolyn, deepest sympathies to you and all of your families. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love.
Dudley williams says
My sincerest condolences to your family.Edith was one of the nicest ladies I’ve known.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Dear Carolyn and family:
What a lovely tribute to a very special lady.
I remember your parents at different event over the years and always admired their devotion to one another.
Prayers & love 💕
Linda Chambers says
Dear Carolyn and Family,
Edie and Mark were wonderful neighbors for many years. She was a sweet lady and always enjoyable to visit with. She was blessed by your devotion and will be greatly missed. We are thankful we had the opportunity to know both of them and through them, you. Take care of eachother.
Love and Prayers
Lee & Linda Chambers
John Cherie Dahl says
Carolyn and Chuck, our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to you in this time of grief and yet all the good memories 👋
Janet Nelson says
Aunt Edie will always live in my heart.❤️
Vanessa & Chuck Tolson says
Carolyn & family, thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayer be with you.
Ron and Judy Curtiss says
Dear Chuck and Carolyn, My thoughts and prayers are with you at the difficult time. She will be missed.
Susan DeBree says
Dear Bob and family, My sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mom. It sounds like she lived a very interesting life and enjoyed many things. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.