Passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, January 13, 2017 at the Rosetta House in Helena, Montana. She was 99 years old.
Mary was born May 24, 1917 in Opportunity, MT a rural suburb of Anaconda, MT to Adam and Dora Rodocay and was the youngest of seven children. Growing up on a small farm, Mary developed a strong work ethic that guided her through her life, and which she instilled in her children.
She graduated from Anaconda High School in 1935 and attended Butte Business College. She first worked for Attorneys Walter Balkavatz and Thomas McLee for a year, and then went to work at the Washoe Grocery and Meat Market, from where she retired 25 years later. While at the Washoe, she became acquainted with many Anaconda families and could still remember their addresses 20 years after retiring.
Mary was married to Bill Podobnik for 26 years until his death in 1965. She raised two children and lived in the same house for 63 years. Bill and Mary were very active in the B.P.O.E. (Elk’s Club), attending many conventions in Montana and a national convention in San Francisco. The Elks continued to be an important part of Mary’s social life after Bill’s death. They also vacationed, camped and fished throughout western Montana.
Mary then met Dick Degnan who became her companion and good friend for 30 years. Together they enjoyed a summer cabin near Georgetown Lake and traveled often on senior citizen trips through the western U.S.
Mary was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish and a member of the Anaconda Community Hospital Auxiliary where she served a term as president. She was also an active bridge player for 30 years until macro degeneration made playing too difficult. Mary always loved a party, whether entertaining a broad circle of friends at her home or dancing at the Elks Club.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Bill Podobnik, her companion Dick Degnan, parents Adam and Dora, brothers Joseph and Frank Chaverack, Matt (Lavonne) Rodocay, sisters Rose Rodocay, Katherine (Jasper) Elefald, Ann (Bill) Clancy, and almost all of the many friends she had made through her life.
Mary is survived by her daughter Claudia Cloninger in Helena, and son Bill (Wanda) Podobnik in Spokane, WA, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Thank you to the doctors, and nurses on staff at St. Peters Hospital, the staff at the Apple Re Hab Unit. A very special thank you to the wonderful ladies at the Rosetta House in caring for our mother. You are all angels.
Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to Hospice in either Helena, or Anaconda.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later time.
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Karen Scheler says
Dear Claudia, Bill and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Auntie Mary’s passing. I was hoping to see her when I return to Helena in June.
I have many good memories of Auntie Mary when I was younger but one of the best was when she, Dick and a friend of hers were in Oregon to visit Auntie Ann. I spent a couple days with them taking them to the beach and to visit their friend’s brother. I saw her a year ago when I was in Mt. for my uncles funeral.
She and Auntie Ann were my closest connection to that generation of our family. I loved her bluntness about life and her enjoyment of life.
I will wait to hear when her memorial will be. It will be my hope that I might be able to attend. In the mean time, know that I am thinking of her and all of your family.
Karen Sautter Scheler