Marion Camille Meechan Malensek was born May 2, 1925. She was the first of three daughters born to Louis and Maude Meechan in Wallace, ID. Camille passed away January 13, 2017 in Helena, MT after a prolonged illness she hoped she could beat.
Camille received her nurses training at Sacred Heart School of Nursing, Spokane, WA. She met and married the love of her life Edward Malensek on June 7, 1948 in Spokane. She and Ed had many adventures ahead of them. With six children in tow the family moved from Dillon, MT to Tallahassee, FL where Ed earned his MSW and Camille worked as a registered nurse. Two years later they moved back to Montana living in Hardin, Miles City and finally settling in Helena.
Camille was a devoted wife, mother and nurse. She was a well respected nurse at St. John’s Hospital, Fort Harrison and St. Peter’s Hospital. She loved helping and caring for people. She worked in many aspects of nursing, retiring from the OR at St. Peter’s Hospital.
After retirement, she and Ed continued on to many more adventures in camping, hiking, traveling to Alaska and the Oregon coast. She especially loved a 50th anniversary train ride to San Francisco where she spent some of her childhood with her aunt. She also loved playing bridge and looked forward to those monthly games and visiting with her friends. It seems like yesterday but all of a sudden life happened and passed by. We will forever miss you.
Camille is survived by her husband Edward, together 68 years, children, Mike (Barb), Mary (Gary) Poepping, Mark (Debbe), Becky (Mike) Muller, Peggy (Shawn) Audie, and John (Julie). She is also survived by her ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren with two more on the way and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Lois and Ailene.
Special thanks to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, Big Sky Health Care and Hospice of St. Peter’s for all the wonderful care you gave her and to all her family and friends who knew her laughter and joy of life.
A Funeral Liturgy will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 23rd at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave., with a reception to immediately follow the service at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow the reception at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Memorial in Camille’s name may be sent to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604 or Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Camille.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 23, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Monday January 23, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday January 23, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 23, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Monday January 23, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday January 23, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
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Allyn Ann Cummins says
Ed, family of Cam–so sorry to read of the passing of Cam. Our deepest sympathies are with all of you. Allyn Ann & Bob Cummins
Edith Taylor, Foot nurse says
I was so sorry to read that Camille has passed. My deepest sympathy
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Peggy – We are saddened to read the passing your mom. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. Class of 75′
Crystal Terry says
Grandma Cam immediately welcomed me into the family when I met her while dating her grandson John. We lived in Helena over a summer and I was hospitalized quite a bit with illness. Grandma and grandpa always came up to see me and brought flowers and stuffed animals. I’ll never forget her hugs, her laugh and how much she loved life. She didn’t see her knee as a disability. She just adaptedand carried on with life. Once John and I had kids, she told us she will only be known as grandma to them, not great-grandma, because she is not old! Grandma Cam is so loved and highly missed already. But we are comforted in knowing that she is in heaven, pain and illness free, watching over all of us. We love you Grandma! John and Crystal Terry and the boys, Hunter and Luke
Margaret Kauska says
Sorry for your loss Julieanna and John. May you find peace in your memories.
Lee Rhodes says
Malensek family – So sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom as so kind and nice to all of us kids in the neighborhood.
Ruth & Kurt says
We grieve with and for our Becky, and we wish for a celebration of a life spent loving and nurturing her family. Our grief & love for all the family.
Mary Runkel says
Camille was a wonderful caring Nurse and when I hear her name I see her smile and gracious compassion for her colleagues as well as her patients. I am sorry for your loss she was a very special lady to all who knew her. A smiling treasure.
Katie Mattingley says
I’m so thankful Dave and I had the chance to see Camille a few more times over the last year on our travels through Helena. She was such a wonderful person and it always made me smile to see the resemblance between her and grandma Ailene. Love to you all, Katie (Milligan) and Dave Mattingley.
Jennifer McFarland says
Becky, you have shared so much of your family with us while working here at Lineberger Cancer Center, that we feel we almost know them! We surely know what a special lady your Mom was and how much of that strength and zest for life she passed on to you. My prayers are with your family at this time when you miss her so much, but know that she is laughing and loving again in a better place. Remember the good times!
Deborah Lee says
May you and you family continue to be close and love one another…..it’s the only way that a family can move forward in life after such a life altering event. You mother lived a long and fulfilling life, which was truly a blessing. Your mother will always be with each o f you, so find some comfort in knowing this. May God continues to give all of you amazing grace and strength.
Becky….we miss you much.
Marji Surbrook says
Camille was the lady in white helping people as a nurse..and still helping them after she retired from nursing. She really cared about people and raised wonderful children, grandchildren and was a beautiful bride always to her beloved husband. Camille, you are wearing a different kind of white now…and while many are so missing you…I hope they find comfort in the happy memories the family shared and the fact that God is smiling having one of his finest angels back home. And your picture is so beautiful…just like your heart and soul.