Eileen Marie Miniati (Pocha), age 84, of Helena, passed away Sunday morning June 21, 2015. Eileen was the first child born to Edna Pocha Dunn and Walter Pocha and raised in Helena, Montana.
She met the love of her life Frederigo Miniati, while he was an Italian Merchant Marine Intern serving at Ft. Missoula during World War II. They met at a dance, fell in love, got married and raised a family of 4 children. Following WWII, Fred received his U. S. Citizenship under the guidance of Sen. Mike Mansfield.
Eileen spent many years working with West Side Families maintaining their homes and residences and became an important part of their extended family. Eileen and her husband, along with oldest son, Robert, who brought flowers and plants in from Seattle, WA spent many springs/summers owning and running Miniati Garden Center on Lyndale Ave. in Helena. Eileen spent the last few years at Cooney Nursing Home where she leaves behind many friends.
Eileen is survived by children, Yvonne Miniati Madsen (Bozeman, MT), Robert James Miniati (Lone Pine, MT) and Diane Miniati Lytle (Phoenix, AZ). Eileen is also survived by her younger sister, Donna Warburton of Kalispell, MT and a brother, Gary Dunn of Helena, MT. Also surviving Eileen are 5 grandchildren and 6 great grand-children.
Preceding her in death is her youngest child, Dennis Ray Miniati (1992), her husband, Frederigo in June 2000, her mother, Edna Pocha in 2001, her sister, Delores Williams, her brother, Bugs Pocha and her father, Walter Pocha.
A viewing and family receiving friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave., Helena. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena, with a reception to follow the Mass in the Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena. Rite of Committal will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N. Montana Ave., Helena.
While flowers and donations are not necessary, any Memorials should be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena, MT 59601.To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Eileen please visit below.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 25, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 26, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Friday June 26, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
10:00 a.m.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 25, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 26, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Friday June 26, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
10:00 a.m.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Massimiliano Azzaria says
Our condolences from all of us , the italian side of the family.
Good bye Eileen
Dan Morgan says
My condolences to the Miniati family. I remember her very well as a kid hanging out with Dennis. She was such a hard worker, super mom and wonderful person.
Marvin Williams says
Unfortunately I am not able to attend the funeral as I will be out of town, I am sorry.
It was a real pleasure seeing Eileen at my fathers, Ray Williams’ funeral June 10, 2015 as I was able to give her a huge hug and tell her I loved her. We both cried and I am glad I had this opportunity. Growing up with Eileen as my aunt brings back many memories, things like; green spaghetti, Camp tuff it, playing buttons, family gatherings for the holidays, stock car races and who could forget the dreaded leather strap! What fond memories!
Thank you Eileen for being such a large part of my childhood. I Love you!
Shelly (Sanders) Horne says
My condolence to the family of Eileen, she was a wonderful friend to my parents Rachael & Bob Sanders. She helped both of them keep and maintain the family home. I will always remember her beautiful smile God Bless