It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary “Noreen” Bartsch. Nor passed away peacefully May 12 due to complications of idiopathic liver failure at Apple Cooney Nursing Home, where she had recently resided. Noreen was born August 17, 1933 in Butte to Mary (Mame) and Malachy (Mal) Doran. She attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from Butte Girls Central High School. She attended Carroll College School of Nursing, graduating in 1954.
Noreen began her nearly 40-year nursing career at St. James Hospital in Butte. She later worked for St. Pat’s in Missoula, and St. John’s in Helena. In 1972 Nor began her 20 years of home health nursing when she was one of the first three nurses hired by West Mont Home Health Care. This was a time when home health care was a new concept. Many interesting stories were told whether it be police escorted visits or visiting a patient under a railroad bridge! She retired from West Mont in 1992, the same day Dan retired from DOT.
Noreen married Daniel P. Bartsch on September 7, 1957. They were lovingly and happily married for 57 years before his passing in January 2015. From this union were born five children. Colleen with husband Tim and children Pat and Anna. Paul and wife Chris. Mike with wife Lisa and children Makenzie, Shea and Sierra. Don with wife Cory and children Rian, Kady, and Mike. Kevin with wife Anne and children Amanda, Morgan, Dani and Paige.
During her life, she was a very active member of the St. Helena Cathedral where she was a Eucharistic minister, provided communion for hospital visits, and rarely did a funeral luncheon occur without one of her salads! Noreen was a member of Jaycees, volunteered with March of Dimes and read to children at Central School long after her kids’ attendance.
For those of you who knew Noreen, you know of her intense love for sports. She was someone who had virtually no athletic talent, but you will be hard pressed to find a more enthusiastic fan! Nor rarely missed any of her kids’ or grandkids’ sporting events. From Central School basketball games, Small Fry football, to Helena High and Capital High athletics, she was always in the stands with a smile on her face. Not to mention the many Casper Natrona events, University of Wyoming volleyball games, and University of Montana football games attended in order to support her family. Noreen was a serious college football fan and you better believe – any fall Saturday you could find her watching the Cats, Griz or Notre Dame on TV, all while simultaneously listening to Carroll on the radio. In addition to being a sports fanatic, Noreen enjoyed her bridge clubs over the years where she enjoyed many long-lasting friendships. She was an avid member of the Bengal Booster club when it was established.
Noreen’s career as a nurse was her vocation, but her true calling was her commitment to her family. The two really went together, since ultimately, Noreen cared far more for others than she did herself.
Noreen was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband of 57 years Dan, her son Mike and nephew Steve. She is survived by her four remaining children and their spouses, daughter-in-law Lisa and her husband Dick Bratton. She is also survived by her special relatives Jim and Shelia Drynan, Jim and Gete Garvey, and Rosie Garvey and their families.
There will be a public viewing from Noon until 3:30 pm on Saturday May 16, 2020 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home. Due to current restrictions, there will be limitations on the number of people in the building at one time and social distancing will be required. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Helena Cathedral once we are able to do so without restrictions. Internment of ashes will take place at Resurrection Cemetery following the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may provide memorial donations in Noreen’s name and are suggested to St. Helena Cathedral, West Mont, Intermountain Children’s Home or an organization of the donor’s choice.
We would like to pay special thanks to the caring staff of Apple Cooney Nursing for the excellent and loving care they provided during these last couple months. Under very difficult circumstances, they kept her comfortable and well cared for and we appreciate their efforts to be with her so she was not alone, even at the end.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 18, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 18, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Pat Hunt and Chuck Johnson says
Dear Kevin and Bartsch Family, Chuck and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. We only spoke with her a few times but we always found her to be kind and caring even during the more challenge times of her life. We admired her deep faith and know she will be deeply missed.
Jim and Sally says
We were sorry to hear about ur Mom. She was such a beautiful and friendly lady whom we have know for so many years. She is now back with your Dad and brother. May she Rest In Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now, and the days ahead. God Bless!
Diane and Budd Williams says
Noreen was the BEST of Butte- generous, kind hearted, cheerful, hard working and genuine!
I did so enjoy the many years of my acquaintance, then friendship with her. Nurses training and work at St. John’s was so much easier with her presence. Bridge was way more fun too.
She and Dan were such an asset to Helena.
That I will miss Noreen is such and understatement!
All of you children and grandchildren were wonderful caretakers. She, and all her friends appreciated you.
Our very best to all of you. With loving thoughts.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Noreen was a mentor and positive influence for me to enter the profession of nursing. In high school I worked as a “nurses aid” at St John’s Hospital, and Noreen was so kind, compassionate, and caring, not only with patients, but also with those of us who were young and learning. She always had a smile and was so very humble. Whenever I’ve seen her over the years, her kindly demeanor never wavered. My condolences to her family.
Rosie Garvey says
My thoughts and prayers to all of the Bartsch and Morgan families. I always enjoyed being around Noreen and her wonderful laugh and smile. She will always be a forever friend and in my heart.
Diane says
Kevin and family
I was sorry to learn that your mom passed away. She was a friend of my mother who worked with her at St John’s hospital. May God bless and comfort you and your family at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy Diane Pedersen
Bill Toner says
Paul, Donny, Red(Kevin) and Colleen,
Your mom was one of the best! We were all so lucky growing up to have such good moms. Noreen lived life well and with that good old fashioned Butte “can do” attitude. Wish I could be there to give you all hugs but know I’m with you in spirit. Paul – let me know if you need anything my friend.
Rosanne says
Kevin and family,
Thinking of you during this time of mourning of your mom, grandma, and mother-in-law. May you find the peace that passéth understanding. Not too many sons can say that they often took their lunch hour to spend time with their precious mother. Being a nurse myself, I commend her stellar career in giving of herself, looking after others before herself. I only wish that I had known her. Rosanne
Terry W Bass says
She was a member of the Last Block of the West Galena Street group. I grew up with her. Always a very fine person. Very fine nurse. May she Rest In Peace with perpetual light shinning on her. Terry W Bass
Mary Boyle says
Kevin and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. From reading her lovely obituary I can see where your commitment to family comes from. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary
Bill and Judy Schweyen says
Many memories of Noreen, as a nurse, mentor and friend. Your whole family has been so blessed by Noreen as your mother, the love and dedication not to forget the fun give you all great memories.
Barbara Monaco says
Dear Colleen and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Mother. She was always so welcoming and caring a very delightful person.
Again I extended my sympathy to each of you on the loss of your Mother, Grandmother and a truly lovely lady.
Barbara Monaco
Marg Crennen says
Dan and Noreen along with the Sullivans and Twitchells were among the first friends we met in 1964 when we moved to Helena. We had so many good times together through JCees and our own special get- togethers plus Athletic events. In recent years, Noreen and I had our hair done at the same shop, and at the same time so shared greatgrandparent stories. I shall miss her and extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. With my deepest sympathy. Marg
Carl and Anne Cossitt says
To all of Noreen’s children and their families,
It has been a delight to live across the street from your mom. And so wonderful to see the love and care for her and among all of you. Sometimes I swear we could feel that glow. We are sorry to see her go, but know that her spirit lives on with you. Anne With the loss of Dan and now Noreen, Warren Street has forever changed. I miss them both. My thoughts are with all of you. Carl
Don Pratt says
To the Bartsch Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of Noreen. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. So many memories came flooding back of the good times we all had. She will be greatly missed.
Mary Runkel says
Noreen was a wonderful Nurse, always with a smile and dedication to making the best of any situation. Her smile supported patients and colleagues alike. My sympathy and prayers at this time. May all your memories bring you as much comfort as she gave others
Thea Swenson says
I pray for the Bartsch family in this time of sorrow. I offer sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. Noreen will be missed at bridge.
Teri Swenson Yeager says
Colleen, it is at times like this when a simple hug can say so much more than words. Your mother’s smile will be missed. I am sending peace and love to embrace your heart.
Richard H Spaulding says
I was so sorry to hear of Noreen’s passing. Dan and Noreen were dear friends and neighbors to my mother. So helpful and always there for her. I will never forget their kindness.
Janet Hoversland says
To all of the Bartsch family, we loved our “seats” at mass near your folks and the rest of you (sometimes coming in late -LOL). After mass we’d catch up and seemed like we were the last to leave the church. When we moved to Casper we knew it was a small world when our kids connected with the Casper Bartsch kids. I always remember your folks driving my dad back from Casper. Such kind loving people. Last summer Scott and I were in Helena and went to mass and saw your mom. She loved telling us what everyone was doing and was so appreciative of what good care you all gave her. Sending our thoughts and prayers from Wyoming.
Linda J Nelson says
Colleen and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Linda
Janet Neumiller says
What a sweet and beautiful lady. I watched a lot of little league baseball games with her. She was always so calm and supportive to the kids. Such a good role model. My sympathies to all the family. I know she will be missed but we can cherish the memories.
Mimi says
My family and I lived next door to the Bartschs on Warren street growing up. Just like with Dan, I have very fond memories of Noreen. She was always high spirited, helpful and kind even when we might have been behaving badly. I can still hear her voice calling to her kids or Dan.
I’m very sorry to all of you for your loss. But she joins Dan and Mike in their final resting place.
May your memories of her give you all comfort in this time of sorrow and always.
Susan C. Witte says
Your mother was a beautiful person. We are sorry to hear of her passing.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏. Friends with Noreen and Dan from Jaycee days and Highway Dept employment with Dan.
Robyn Nickel says
There are too many memories of your mom and dad at your home after a small fry football game. I do remember standing in the kitchen with all of the coaches wives talking about their children. At that time Jon and I did not have any so I was always taking notes. After we ate and the men talked about the game over and over, Dan would take me out to the garage to show me the new car he was working on. There was always boys hanging around getting a look at the great car he was fixing. As years went by I was fortunate to have Ryan and Kady in my classroom, so I saw Noreen and Dan at all of the school functions. After Dan passed away, I talked to Noreen every time I saw her. She had such great stories, and was always so pleasant and kind. I came away from the conversation feeling the love she had for her family. Jon and I were so sad to hear about her passing. She will always have a place in our hearts. Prayer and thoughts are with you at this time!
Betsy Robel says
Dear Bartsch family, so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. What a great neighborhood we had to grow up in, and Mrs. Bartsch was one of the cornerstones of it! Your parents and my parents were good friends–but your Mom and mine had such a special friendship. So much coffee and ice tea with their visits! Can’t you just see them sitting on your front porch and ours? I can still hear your Mom’s voice and see her sweet smile. Many memories of your family, your home, and your Mom and Dad. She was so kind. Thinking of you all and tucking you in my prayers.
Bob amd Smithe Docktor says
Bartsch Family
Sorry to hear the passing of your mother, mother in law and grandmother, our thoughts and prayers are with you
dean and sue retz and families says
Knowing all of the Bartsch families, we are so sorry about the passing of “grandma”. It was a tradition for us to go to the Capital High gym and see her sitting at the same spot for basketball and softball games! All of the Retz families are thinking of Mrs. Bartsch and will be thinking of her and Dan every time we go to any sporting events!
Robyn Nickel says
I had a senor moment when I was writing about Noreen. Not only did I teach her wonderful granddaughters, but I was very fortunate to teach Mike. He was a great student and everyone in the classroom wanted to be his friend. His smile made my day, and I was very sad when he left the school to move on to CMR. Noreen was so proud of her grandchildren and that was very fun to see and hear.
Larriann Murphy says
Bartsch and Morgan families,
I met Noreen at WestMont and enjoyed working with her. She was a joy to be around. We spent a lot of time discussing our Butte “Connection’s”. I always knew if one of her grandchildren was playing a sport I would see her there cheering them on.
Noreen loved her family and will be greatly missed!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larriann and Mike Murphy
Gary & Joy Novota says
To the family of Noreen Bartsch – Although we didn’t really “know” her, Noreen was an avid supporter & patron of our concert cabaret series, Starz on Stage. She & Dan began their patronage with us together when we were at the Gateway Center. After the loss of Dan, Noreen continued to renew her annual concert ticket & always had someone with her to celebrate the evening of entertainment. She was a sweet lady, always ‘dressed to the nines’ while also wearing a beautiful & wonderful smile. She is remembered for being at Table 49! She will be missed. Our sympathy to all of your family members in losing such a special woman in your lives. God’s blessings to each of you.