Mom passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24 in Helena, MT with her son Bill by her side. She was born on November 20, 1927 in Temu, Italy, and immigrated with her family to the United States, eventually settling in Helena. After her father’s death, her mother moved the family to New York to be near relatives, where she graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Schenectady. The family returned to Helena in 1949 and Mom began working as an accounting clerk for the Dept of Human Services. Once married, she completely embraced what would become the most treasured time of her life – raising and caring for four children. After the children were grown, she worked as a seamstress doing custom alterations for many years. Mom retired in theory, but continued doing clothing alterations from her home for her dedicated clients who became her friends. Mom was a devout Catholic and enjoyed sewing, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was a pillar of strength for our family. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Cesare and Fridale Cervelli and her two brothers, Mario and Dino. She is survived by her three sons, Dick (Kelly), Bill (Cindy), Dan (Angelia), her daughter Mary, as well as ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Vigil will be held on Thursday, April 4 at 7:00 pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, a Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 5 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with a reception to follow, and Rite of Committal on Saturday, April 6 at 1:00 pm at Resurrection Cemetery. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church or Headwaters Hospice of Helena.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday April 4, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 5, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday April 4, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 5, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
Helena, Montana
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Kristie and Mark Jacoby says
Bill and Cindy-
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a very special lady.
Kristie and Mark Jacoby
Vanessa To,so says
Bill, Cindy and family we are sorry for your loss. God Bless you
Chuck and Vanessa
Jen Ahmann says
Blessing to all of you. Your mom was one of my favorite people to visit with. She shared some great advice with me over the years. I am truly grateful for her. May God Bless all of you .
Jeanne Ahmann says
I loved your Mom. We had many wonderful visits over the years at Church and while she was doing alterations. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She will be greatly missed. Peace and many blessings to you her loving family.
Saundra Lowry says
To the Shull Family,
My name is Saundra Lowry and I met your mom while working for the Agency on Aging. I was so very fond of her and ironically knew your Uncle Mario before her. What a strong kind family you have! May your memories sustain you through this loss. Heaven now is one angel richer.
Kathleen Broussard says
Shull Family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Mike Harvey says
To all the Cervelli family, Your long time family friends send our condolences during this sad time and hope all the past memories of Francis serve you well during this time. Our prayers are with you.
The Harvey family
Betty (Meader) Hawkes says
Dear Shull Family,
Many, many years ago I lived at Grampa Zani’s house in Ballston Lake, N.Y. when Fridale Cervilli and children came to live with us for a time. It was a happy time with Frances and her brothers. Almost 50 years later, my husband and I stopped in Helena to visit Frances and Mario who welcomed us with open hearts and arms. Since then Frances and I have shared many phone calls reminiscing and updating our genealogy. She was a warm and caring relative and I am so fortunate to have known her. She was one of our greatest generations and I shall miss her.
Maria Hanson says
I am sad to just see this and have missed the celebration of life of this fabulous woman! Fran was a pillar of strength and faith. I was introduced to her as a client but soon it became a friendship that nurtured my heart and soul. May she rest in peace.