Judith Marie Kain DaSilva of Helena, Montana died unexpectedly on November 28, 2010 while on vacation in San Diego, California.
Born on January 20, 1945 in Helena, Montana, to John A. and Sarah Haggerty Kain, Judy attended St. Helena School, where in first grade she met her future husband, Michael J. DaSilva. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Helena in 1963 and from St. Mary College, Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1967 with a B.S. in chemistry. After graduation she moved to Spokane, Washington for an internship and subsequent employment as a registered medical technologist. On a sunny Saturday, June 1, 1968, Judy made Mike the happiest man in the world by marrying him at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Judy and Mike began their family in Spokane, Washington where they lived until moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973 where their second child was born. In 1975, Judy and Mike returned to Helena and two years later welcomed their third child. In Spokane, Las Vegas and then in Helena, Judy had a successful career as a medical technologist, working in various laboratories including those at Shodair Hospital and Helena Family Physicians. When her children were young, Judy chose to spend several years as a homemaker.
In 1992, Judy began classes at Carroll College, earning a B.A. in accounting and in 1994 began a second career in bookkeeping. Judy combined her medical and accounting knowledge working for eight years as a bookkeeper for Dr. Loren McKerrow. After Dr. McKerrow’s death, Judy briefly worked for the State of Montana. In 2004, Judy’s mounting health problems forced her to retire.
Judy bravely faced health battle after health battle, and she fought diligently for the last seven years – determined to regain function and quality of life so that she might fully enjoy spending time with her family. During that time, Mike never left her side as her tender and endlessly patient caretaker and humorist. Amazingly, 2010 brought a season of renewed hope for Judy as positive results began to manifest from her reconstructive neck surgery in late 2009. Judy resumed gardening, dining out, seeing friends, home projects, driving and even crocheting – all activities she thought she may never do again. For the first time in three years, she was even able to travel to San Diego with Mike and spent this Thanksgiving with her daughter and family.
Among hundreds of other things, Judy will be remembered for her commitment to her family, her love of fishing and time spent outdoors, her wonderful baking skills, her dry sense of humor, her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens and her lovingly crafted afghans and baby blankies. Above all, Judy’s unconditional love and support for her immediate and extended family and friends remain as her enduring legacy.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John P. Kain. Judy is survived by her sister, Pat Lester (Larry) of Independence, Missouri, brother, Dick Kain (Barb), of Helena and dear Aunt Margaret Seeberger of Glendive, Montana as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Also missing her terribly are her best friend and husband, Mike DaSilva; daughter, Donna Singer (Tracey) of San Diego, California; sons, Mick DaSilva (former spouse Kelly) and Tony DaSilva (Casey) all of Helena, and her ten much adored grandchildren.
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 6 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, and a Funeral Mass will be at noon Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Memorial donations in Judy’s name may be sent to God’s Love, 533 N. Main, Helena, Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Amber Champagne says
Mike and family,
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Judy. I will miss her smiling face and encouragement. I took care of Judy many times when she was in the hospital. We had some good visits and it was my pleasure to be one of her nurses. I can still see her face when she realized who one of my sisters was. She couldn’t get over the fact that we were related. She had the will to get her quality of life back and the last time I saw her she looked so good. Mike, you were such a great care taker for her and I was so glad to see you such a part of her care. So many times we see where family is not involved. I know you will miss her dearly, just as I will. Take comfort in knowing God is there for us and he will give the strength and encouragement needed at this time. Take care, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian & Jean Peacock says
Dear Mike and family, our condolences to you on your loss of Judith. We hope your lifetime of memories will give you peace.
Best, Brian and Jean Peacock
Candace Wattnem Ahl says
Mick –
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Take Care
Candace
Carol E. Bonner says
Mike,
I will light a candle for Judy this week starting tonight. I will take time tomorrow to send my supportive thoughts your way.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Tom Bonner
Dana Joe McDonald says
Donna, I am saddened to hear of your loss.
Dennis Donovan says
Dear Family of Judy Kain DaSilva,
So sorry for you in your loss.
I was a classmate of Judy and Mike in grade and high school in Helena. My wife, Therese Koval, who died in 2003, was also a classmate of theirs in high school. I always felt Judy and Therese were particularly close.
Know that Judy was loved by many, who knew her from those early years. Those friends of her youth are now scattered all over the map, a share of them are deceased.
From my perspective, Judy was a person with ‘a song in her heart’, always willing to share ‘that song’ with others.
Till we meet again, whole in body and spirit, in Our Father’s house,
DON -BEV OPITZ says
DEAR MIKE AND FAMILY, WE ARE SADDENED TO HEAR OF JUDIE’S PASSING . MAY YOU KNOW WE WILL KEEP ALL OF YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. HUGS TO ALL OF YOU. MAY IT HELP TO EASE THE PAIN TO KNOW SO MANY ARE THINKING OF YOU. GOD BLESS, BEV
Ed Neuman says
My sympathy to you, Mike, and all your family. So many memories of Judy and our class from K-12..reunions. She was always special, I thought. Lovd her picture. I am sad that her life journey is finished. Sad she had so much suffering in the last years. Happy her surgery after some slow starts gave her a new lease of life. She always told me how wonderful you, Mike, were to her. I am happy she had you, Mike, your kids, and your grandkids and her pecial life long friends. I am confronted with my own and all of our aging and the realization that we are in the “last quarter” of our life. Kindergarten is long past. An unusual bond exists between us, the class of ’63. Lucky we have been. Love you guys and dolls. Save us all a place at the table, Judy, we are all coming your way. always,Ed (aka, Eddy)
Gerry & Judy Kuhl says
Mike & Family,
Our thoughts, prayers, condolences and love join with those of your brother and sister Cursistas. We share in your sorrow and grief at Judy’s passing; but, find great comfort in the reality of her union with our Father/God, Savior/Jesus and Counselor/Holy Spirit.
Jack Ward says
Donna, Mick, Tony and family
Yer Ma and Pa are in my prayers. I love them and you.
Lemme know if I can do anything at all.
Love
Jack
Jackie Dartman Fisher says
We are so sorry to hear of Judie’s passing. We have many happy memories of her.
the Dartman family
Kate Kain says
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran
Dear Mike, Donna, Mick and Tony – Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Smith-Cheney says
Judy was a beautiful courageous fighter, we all loved her and admired her. I feel blessed to have known her. Judy, may you rest now,free of pain and suffering. Love you Marilyn
Mary (Kain) Sunderland says
Dear Mike and all:
Judy has been my cousin and good friend since I “”found”” my Montana family 23 years ago. She and her mother, Sarah, welcomed me and introduced me to family history and to Helena in a most caring way. I will miss her kindness, her humor, her incisive mind,and her gentle ear, that was always open to hearing.
My prayers are with you; I know how much you will miss her on a daily basis.
Love, Cousin Mary
Merrilee Coleman says
Judie was such a delight, enjoyed every time she drew blood. Those of us who knew her will always remember her. My thoughts go to you, Mike and Family. Barb Kain, I did not know you were related to Mike and Judie..small world. Hope time eases the loss of Judie.
Mike & Diane Macaraeg-Langenfus says
Mike, it was so good to see Judy’s youthful photo in the obit. The last time I saw her she was suffering, but all she could talk about was the health and survival of my Granddaughter. She was always thinking of others, and both of you have been such support and good friends of members of our family. Mike, I hope you and your family can find some solitude and peace in the memory of such a wonderful gal. She has joined some good souls from the class of 63′, my Uncle Don included. God Bless you and keep you and your family through this time and the future..
Diane and Mike
Neil and Ranae Baker says
I feel so far from your family, I am in Seattle and Neil is in Baltimore. Wish we were there to offer our love and support. Mike, I so enjoyed our visit last month at the Civic Center and was so encouraged to hear of Judy’s progress. Now we must celebrate Judy’s life long journey and her eternal reward. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Norma Walden says
Ever since meeting Judy in 1967 I liked and admired her. So thoughtful of others, strong and disciplined. Both smart and wise. That gentle, wry humor. What courage in her struggle to regain her strength. And Mike was a marvelous, amazing caregiver. Many are sorrowful today. All possible sympathy to those who grieve most, Mike, Donna, Mick and Tony.
Raul Alvaro says
Mike, all my sympathy on your great lost. Looking at Judy’s picture in the obituary brought back so many good memories of my day in Helena and Cathedral High one of the greater days in my life.
Judy will be in my players
Raul
Ray Sharp says
I will miss Judys smile under very difficult days and he ability to keep going she has some rarely seen strength… I am a friend from the best bet…and I shall miss Judy…….sorry
Sue Tidwell says
Dear Donna and DaSilva Family,
May you find comfort in the wonderful memories of your mother. I was fortunate to meet her when she came to CA after Megan was born. The memory of her kind nature has always stayed with me. Love and heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Terry Cowan says
Mike and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you can remember the memories and good times. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help out.
Terry
Traci says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Darrance says
YMMD with that anwers! TX