Terry Jude Podell

“Everything will be just fine, just fine!” was one of Terry Podell’s favorite sayings to comfort friends and family while struggling with cancer. Terry’s illness came to an end peacefully February 12, 2011 at St. Pete’s hospital, in Helena with his family by his side.

Terry was born on December 31, 1944, to Margaret Mary (Glesener) and Edward Otto Podell in Seattle, Washington. Growing up in Orange County, California with his brothers he shared many happy memories while playing together in the fruit orchards and surfing at their favorite beach.

In high school, he became a hot rod enthusiast in the car club dreaming of his brand new cherry red Camaro, which he later bought for his bride in 1969. Terry graduated from Santa Ana High School and shortly after joined the Navy. He began his naval career in Adak, Alaska and during a short leave met his future bride-to-be. This was to be the beginning of a 41 year courtship. After serving in Da Nang, Vietnam and Waukegan, Illinois, Terry returned home, purchased that red Camaro and married Reneé Jeaninne Grenier on May 23, 1969, in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Some of the happiest times were during the births and childhoods of his daughter, Maria Philomena (Ferré) and his son, Michael Edward.

Talent, determination, dedication and humble strength shaped Terry’s life and career moves. In the 80’s and 90’s he was a computer technician with Wang Laboratories, a Master Carpenter, and a Wildlife Wood Carver. Terry was chosen as a featured artist for the Trumpeter Swan Society in Idaho and carved many detailed art pieces that sold to collectors throughout the United States and Europe. After making his home in Helena, Montana, 26 years ago, he studied the Culinary Arts and became a Chef. He mastered the fine art of sauce making, was trained in six cuisines (French being his favorite) and became a Pastry Chef. A highlight in his culinary career was teaching his skills in an authentic French kitchen with the revered seven stations on the 2007 Four Star Chef’s Tour. For the past 13 years, Renee and Terry owned and operated “Chez Renee” where they spent countless hours together cooking specialty meals to their dedicated customers.

Terry cherished family, food and faith. He is survived by his wife, Reneé; son, Michael (Keri) Podell of Redmond, OR; daughter, Maria (Andrew) Ferré of Bozeman; aunt, Patricia Hoiles of Santa Ana, CA, and his brothers, Timothy A. Podell of Anaheim, CA and William J. Podell of Stuyvesant Falls, NY. His arms will always be around his beautiful granddaughters, Savanna Lee and Emma Faith of Redmond, OR. Andrew Ferré (Maria’s husband) helped warm the Benton Avenue home many times with his love and firewood. Mel and Rhonda Schwager and many nieces and nephews were so very dear to Terry, as was his good friend Joseph Del Monaco. Winter and snow were not Terry’s favorite things and Skylar Mitchell will be remembered for his warm smile and personality while keeping the sidewalks cleared.

The family would like to express enormous gratitude for the support, prayers and love given to Terry, especially the many friends and nurses at St. Pete’s Cancer Treatment Center and his doctor, Thomas C. Weiner, M.D., A special thank you to “Nurse Jack,” Rev. Msg. Kevin O’Neill and Rev. Father Stewart Long who provided comfort to Terry and his family in his last hours. For those wanting to provide charitable contributions in Terry’s name, some of his most loved organizations include the Helena Food Share, God’s Love Inc., Cathedral of St. Helena and the Montana Historical Society.

Please join the family Thursday, February 24, 2011 for a Celebration of Life starting with a Noon funeral Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A luncheon will then follow in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral. Chef Terry would want us to remember to be good to each other and to bid us Bon Appetit! Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.

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