Paddy Jo Damschen (Kvande) passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from a heart attack. A loving mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was taken from us too soon.
Paddy was born on August 24, 1950 in Havre, MT to Trygve and Tracy Kvande. She graduated from Havre High School in 1968 and from Montana State University in 1972 with a BS degree in microbiology. She married Barry Damschen on September 12, 1970 in Havre. After graduation they moved to Omaha, NE where Paddy worked in a lab doing cancer research. They moved to Helena in 1975. She worked as a payroll clerk for the state until her son Ryan was born on October 22, 1977. On March 31, 1980 daughter Carrie was born. Paddy’s greatest joy was spending time with her children. She also loved waterskiing, snow skiing, camping at the lake, going to Bobcat games, and going to her kids sporting events. Paddy never missed one of Carrie or Ryan’s games or track meets throughout their entire lives. Her four grandchildren were the light of her life filled her with more joy than she could have ever imagined.
Paddy worked as the business manager for Damschen and Associates for 15 years. At the time of her death she worked as the office manager for Anderson Montgomery Engineering. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Many Thursdays were spent watching Survivors with friends and Friday nights at Lakeside. Paddy lived for weekends at the lake with her family and friends, perfecting her hostess skills over the 11 years she lived at the lake. Paddy was a Girl Scout, a member of Soroptomist for many years, a member of Our Redeemers’ Church and was a board member of the Bobcat Track and Field Association.
Paddy is survived by Barry Damschen of Helena, her son Ryan (Tara) Damschen of Lynnwood, WA, daughter Carrie (Freddy) Krepps of Helena, grandchildren Morgan and Carson Damschen, and Ella and Sarah Krepps, mother Tracy Kvande of Helena, sister Sally (David) Chvilicek of Havre, brother Duane (Linda) Kvande of Longview, WA, brother-in-law Jack McCracken of Port Orchard, WA, sister-in-law Debbie (Dan) Folkerts of Billings, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Reggie. She was preceded in death by her father Trygve and sisters Joyce and Nancy.
A public viewing will be held on Sunday, March 13th at Retz Funeral Home between 4 and 6 pm. Memorial services will be held at Out Redeemer’s Lutheran Church on Monday, March 14th at 1pm with burial services following at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Green Meadow Country Club. Memorials in Paddy’s name can be sent to Hospice of St. Peters Hospital or to Wells Fargo in care of the Paddy Damschen Memorial Track Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded to a Helena track and field athlete. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paddy, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Paddy’s warmth, kindness, and giving sprit touched many lives. Her passing leaves us with a void in our hearts, but her spirit and legacy will live on forever.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Howard Pippin says
It’s with much sorrow that I have learned of Paddy’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Howard Pippin
Frank Kromkowski says
Dear Barry and all the Damschen and Kvande Family and Friends:
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Paddy’s death. Paddy was a kind and beautiful person and it was a privilege to know her.
My heart is with you during this difficult time of Paddy’s passing.
~ Frank Kromkowski
Curt & Shirley Lance says
We wish to extend our most sincere sympathies to the family. Paddy had always treated our daughter, Tara, as if she were her own daughter.
We were recently together with her, just after the birth of our grandson, Carson, and you could see the joy and love she had for her grandchildren.
The proof of her exceptional persona is how wonderful Ryan and Carrie are, which is a tribute to the way they were raised.
She will remain in our hearts as she will to all those whose life she touched.
Bruce and Pam Mihelish says
Our deepest sympathies to Barry, Carrie, Ryan, and families.
Bruce, Pam, Aaron, Brett, and Drew Mihelish
Kathy McGowan says
Paddy and I went way back to dorm life at MSU. Lotsa good girl times. Somewhere I have some photos from those days. Hopefully, I can find them when I have time and share them with you. Nothing like girl friends and girl times. I’m really sorry.
Dick & Korrene (Maffit) Livesay says
Dick & I wish to express our condolences to the Kvande & Damschen families and may God bless each and everyone of you in the days ahead with the strength and serenity to carry you thru such a sudden and unexpected loss.
Linda Sterner {Kampf} says
Barry and Family , so very sorry
to hear about Paddy , She will be
deeply missed.
Butch & Polly Albertson says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We feel we have lost part of our family too. Paddy was a very special person.Thank heaven for the time we all had with her and the great memories we will always have.
Randy/Judy Kvande says
We are so sad that Paddy Jo is no longer with us. She will always be remembered for the good things she did. Our prayers are with all of you
Marie Engstedt says
Ryan and Carrie and families,
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Your mom was so proud of both of you and I know you brought her great joy. If we can help in any way, please just give a call and we’ll be there. Much love to you both. Marie
Denise Hayden says
Barry, we’re so sorry to hear about Paddy’s passing. We’ll always remember Wilma at Lakeside & the hail boat ride. She was a great lady! Love You Bill & Denise
Mike DaSilva says
Barry,
I know what you are going through. Life becomes a blur and reality seems to have escaped. All I can offer is my prayers and sympathy and the advice to take it one day at a time. You can somehow get through it.
Kara Connors says
We are so sorry for your loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May you find comfort with your family and friends.
Kara and Casey Connors
Tim Berry says
Barry, Ryan, and Carrie
Sorry for your loss. Patty will definitely be missed. She was such a bubbly and caring person.
Gary Zuroff says
Barry and family, From the City of Glendive please accept our condolences, thoughts, and prayers.
Larry Laknar says
Barry, sorry for your loss. I recently went through the same thing and understand the loss and hurt. Larry
MiKe Heck says
My utmost sympathy goes to the Damschen family. Barry, you and Patty Jo always had something special even in High School. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this trying time.
Kelly Perkins (Crum) says
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family at this time.
Tamara Fisher says
Tracy, Carrie, Sally, and all ~ I send deep condolences on your loss of such a dear and lovely person. Paddy was a sparkling gem and always lit up the room when she entered. I wish you strength for the coming days and overflowing memories to sustain you thereafter. Much love, Tamara
Barb Conitz says
I’m sorry Paddy’s gone. She was one of the nicest gals I’ve known!
I remember introducing her to Barry at a school dance.
Craig & Linda Brawner says
Barry and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. We are so sad to here of Paddy’s passing, we are unable to be there for the service as we are out of the country, but our prayer and thoughts are with you and your famiy. God Bless you and your family. Craig & Linda Brawner
Clint Kegel says
My condolences to you Barry. There are a lot of good memories from Havre High that include both you and Paddy. I know she will be missed.
Shelley Berry-Hodne says
Barry, Ryan and Carrie,
When our families lived across the street from each other on Ridgewood and before I left for college, your mom and I enjoyed an annual birthday breakfast outing since we shared August 24th as our birthday. She was an incredible person and I am so sorry for your loss.
Respectfully,
Shelley Berry-Hodne
Troy Perry says
Barry,
Just talked to you the other day about work. Didn’t even realize anything of your loss. Worked with you off and on for over 20 years and never had the chance to meet your wife, Paddy. Talked to her many times on the phone and was your right hand from what I could see. I am so sorry to hear of your loss Barry. Sure does put life into perspective and maybe the lagoon or landfill problem we had wasn’t so bad after all. My family and 21 Construction are so sorry Barry.
Troy Perry
Molly (Christensen) Croft says
My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Paddy was always very friendly and warm when I’d see her around Helena growing up. She will be dearly missed.
Bob and Jo Anne Church says
Dear Damschen Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss of Paddy. We remember her with great fondness at the Damschen parties when she would seek us out with such kindness and generosity. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Jo Anne Church
Dana and Nancy Walker says
Barry, Carrie and Freddy. Nancy and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss.
We met Paddy several times out at King’s house and we sure thought the world of her.
She will accepted in her new home as she was here on Earth and will be waiting with that great big smile for all of us.
Nancy and Dana Walker
Judy Paffhausen says
My deepest sorrow to you Barry and all of your family for the loss of Paddy. We were sp sad to hear of the news. Out thoughts and prayers are with all of your family at this time.
Fondly,
Jim & Judy Paffhausen
Florence Armagost says
Barry and Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember Paddy and her life. What a joy to have known her, first at Soroptimist and then just in life. She was so proud of her kids and I know she was equally proud of those grandbabies. Florence Armagost
Laura Nisbet says
Dear Friends,
We are thinking of you and praying for His comforting love and arms to surround you in this sad time. We enjoyed many summers at Kim’s Marina in your class C motor home! Paddy told us that it was important that someone got the little motor home that would enjoy it as she had,with her family.(we did!) Her joy and encourgaing words in cheering on Carrie at track meets was inspiring as we cheered on our own.
In His love, Doug & Laura Nisbet & family
Doug Nisbet says
Dear Barry and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Thinking of you,
The Yogo Canyon Kids
Vicki (Elletson) Harvey says
I was so saddened to hear of Paddy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Barry, and to your children. Paddy’s smile was one in a million.
Vicki (Elletson) Harvey says
I was so saddened to learn of Paddy’s passing. Her smile will be missed by all. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers through thismost difficult time.
Bess Wong says
I was so saddened to hear about Paddy. I saw Paddy in 2009 at the Sports Hall of Fame in Helena and we had a great, but brief time, connecting after so many years since our college days together. I’m very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person.
Lauren & Evelyn Damschen says
Always hoped to get together to compare notes that I have on Damschen Geneology with Paddy. Sometimes the rush of living should be placed in prospective so we can tell each other that we love you and want to know more about you. That was the Paddy that I failed to come together with. May Christ be among you now in this time of trial.
Lauren
Ken & Lynda Behling says
Barry and Family,
We just learned of your loss of Paddy and are truly saddened by this news. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and our prayers. Please find comfort from your many friends during this difficult time.
Ken & Lynda Behling
Lynda Patrick-Hayes says
Barry – all of us at C & C were so saddened to learn of Paddy Jo’s death. You and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Crawford says
My love and prayers go out to Carrie, Ryan and their families. What a joy for Morgan, Carson, Ella and Sarah to have had their Grandma Paddy in their lives, even if it was for such a short time.
I remember those long hours spent with Paddy while serving with her on the All Girls Soccer League. Her wisdom and humor was, I’m sure, one of the main reasons for the success of that wonderful program.
As one of the ‘Survivor’ gals for the last 10+ years – I know she will be missed.
Diane and Mike Langenfus says
Dear Ryan and Kerri, We are so shocked to hear of your Mom’s passing. We were in Arizona when we got the call. I just saw her at the eye Doc’s with her MOm and Kerri’s little one. You two kids were the light of her life and the Grandchildren you gave her brought her more happiness than you will ever know. Mike and I will light a candle for all of you, and keep you in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Mike and Diane Langenfus