Elizabeth Caldwell died February 21, 2018.
She was born in Opportunity, Montana on December 22, 1924 to Jacob and Mary Meshnik, Austrian immigrants, and was very proud of her Austrian background.
She met Lt. Jack Caldwell on a blind date; they went ice-skating. Their romance lasted 66 years.
They were married in 1947 at St. Peter’s Church in Anaconda and were blessed with four children.
Jack’s career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took them to assignments in England, Japan, and Okinawa. Elizabeth enjoyed being a military wife and a full-time mother to their children. She could always find the last inch of space in a bulging suitcase.
The family moved to Great Falls when Jack retired. Elizabeth worked as a secretary for the School for the Deaf and Blind for 13 years.
She was active in Sts. Peter and Paul church’s St. Elizabeth’s Circle, and served as a eucharistic minister. She was a member of the UGF Guild, helped with Great Falls Central High School and sang with the “Swinging Seniors” for several years. She was proud of her children, her golf game, and her potica.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack in 2014. Her parents, sister Tillie Phillip, brother John Meshnik, sister Mary Grende and son-in-law Don McGonigle also predeceased her.
She is survived by her children: Chris McGonigle and Carolyn Caldwell of Helena, Ken Caldwell (Eleanor) of Centreville, VA, and Connie Caldwell (Jeff) of Scottsdale, AZ. Also surviving her are grandchildren Megan Gittings (Chris) of Helena and Tim McGonigle (Tiffany) of Centennial, CO, as well as great-grandchildren Connor and Samaire Gittings and Jack and Liam McGonigle. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 26th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road. A reception will immediately follow the Mass in the social center of the church. A graveside service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 27th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of the Valley Church in Helena, the Great Falls Rescue Mission, or the donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Elizabeth.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 26, 2018
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Monday February 26, 2018
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 26, 2018
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Monday February 26, 2018
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Helena, Montana 59601
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Brian Phillip says
Aunt Liz and Uncle Jack were always in Great Falls when my family would return to Malmstrom AFB. They were a second set of grandparents to me. Visiting their house, you were sure to get an offer of Schwan’s ice cream from Aunt Liz. Every time Aunt Liz was around, she’d have a smile on her face. Her heart was so big and so giving, you couldn’t help but be in a good mood around her. I’m thankful that this past summer while in Montana, my family was able to drive to Helena and we were able to visit with her. She will be missed.
Jo and Ed Russell says
Liz and Jack were our neighbors, but she was like an aunt to me through the years. She loved it when my daughter Elizabeth would come to her door selling cookies or gift wrap or fruit for school…Liz always bought something. She continued to ask about Elizabeth all through high school, college, marriage, and children…Liz loved to look at photos of everyone and keep up with our news. I enjoyed visiting Liz in Helena, so we could go out to lunch or just chat for an afternoon. I have missed her since she moved from Great Falls but will miss her even more now. I can still see her watching from her living room window as Ed cut down that dead tree in the front yard using a bow and arrow…and a chain saw, of course ! And the morning she locked herself out of the house, dressed in her PJ’s and luxurious robe. We had to get that situation remedied quickly ! We always had funny stories to tell and laugh about…oh, Liz. I know you have been ready to join your dear Jack for such a long time…I know you are just fine. Love you, dear Liz.
Karlene Frank says
As a member of the Swinging Seniors I got to know Liz. She was the epitome of a most gracious lady and I loved her. We stayed in touch after she and Jack moved to Helena. I know Jack and Jesus were waiting in Heaven to welcome her Home. Keep the memories alive in your hearts. Karlene
Gary Ruder says
I worked with Liz at the Deaf & Blind School. She always had a smile on her face and was so helpful to us teachers. I enjoyed the many conversations we shared. I’m glad I knew her. My sympathy goes out to her family in this difficult time.
Thea Seese says
This dear lady became a friend at the Touchmark. Most recently she shared her birds with us.
We also discovered we were in the California, Yuba City area, at the time of the Christmas flood, in the early 50’s.
Small world.
Tamara Dimke says
Liz and I met in Great Falls thru our church as we belonged to the same circle. We also had the connection of both coming from Anaconda. She always had a smile for everyone and was fun to work with. Lots of good memories of working bingo or serving hot lunch at Peter and Paul school. I was blessed to have had her in my life. My prayers are with the family. Sincerely Tamara (Tammy) Murphy Dimke
Mary Dupuis says
What a wonderful lady! Liz always had time to stop for just a moment and chat about anything ~ she had the ability to focus completely on the person in front of her, and make them know that she was listening. Her wry little smile was just enough. She and Jack were a wonderful piece of our parish, and they are both missed. We are all pleased for Liz that she was able to be close to family. Bless her heart, and God bless her family.
Rich and Rita Kuka says
We knew Liz and Jack through Sts. Peter and Paul and Holy Spirit Parishes. They also lived in our neighborhood. One could tell that they were devoted to each other, their family, and their causes. We visited them once when we were working on a committee to gather pledges to build our new church. They were delightful to work with, knew they probably wouldn’t be around to attend the new church for long, but despite that, were generous with their pledge. I have not forgotten their philanthropy. There was a peace about them, no matter what the matter at hand. We missed them when they moved away to Helena, we were sorry to hear of Jack’s passing back in 2014, and sorry again to say goodbye to Liz. Our deepest condolences.
Susan Hansen says
I am trying to locate Chris McGonigle, a woman who wrote an article in Family Circle in 1994, entitiled “The Long Goodbye”. The article was very meaningful to me about her husband who was suffering with Mutiple Sclerosis, my husband also has MS. The article mentions Chris lived in Montana, and a Google search lead me to this obituary of who I believe must be her mother. I would appreciate it very much if you would forward this message to her and ask her to contact me if she feels so led. My name is Susan Hansen, shansnenLCSW@gmail.com
Thank you, Susan Hansen