Mary Ann (Spalj) Moreni

Obituary for Mary Ann (Spalj) Moreni Age: 98 Mary was born November 9, 1919 in Bribir, Croatia to Petar and Mary (Varelia) Spalj. She died January 16, 2018 in Butte, Montana. At the request of her father in Anaconda, after finishing school in Croatia in 1937, Mary immigrated to America by herself at age 17. She told vivid stories of her trip sailing across the ocean on the Normandie and crossing America on the train. She expressed her fear of having to navigate the trip by herself without speaking a word of English. In 1942, Mary married Azzio (Jack) Moreni in Anaconda, MT. To this marriage, sons, John (Jack) Moreni and Richard (Dick) Moreni, were born. Mary lived her entire adult life in Anaconda where she made her house a home, raised her sons, worked outside the home and helped raise and nurture grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her last outside employment was at the State Liquor Store in Anaconda for several years before she retired. Mary had a strong work ethic learned during her childhood in Croatia. She inspired all the younger generations with her ability to grow and can her own food, cook from scratch, make something from nothing including her famous home remedies. She set an example for everyone by walking at least 3 miles a day her entire life and her long healthy life was living proof for all of us as to the benefits. She never learned to drive and had no desire to do so as she could walk everywhere she needed to go in town. In addition to her native tongue, Mary became fluent in English and also learned to speak Italian to communicate with members of her husband's family. Mary participated in the Croatian fraternal lodge activities and famously cooked Croatian dishes to perpetuate her heritage. In addition to walking, her hobbies included knitting, crocheting and camping. The family camped on the weekends when her boys were growing up and she and her husband camped at Georgetown Lake and other campgrounds during their retirement summers. She was an active member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Anaconda throughout her life. In retirement she loved playing pinochle and keno at the Anaconda Senior Center and trying her luck on the penny poker machines with her lifelong friend Mary (Chummy) Chor. In her last pinochle game, in spite of failing memory and to the surprise of other players, she "shot the moon" to beat her son and his young partner in the game. She insisted on hosting all family holiday dinners into her nineties including refusing help from anyone to do the dishes! No one will ever duplicate her pasties, raviolis, sarma or apple strudel. Mary is survived by her son, Jack (Karen) Moreni, grandson Mike (Myra) Moreni and great grandchildren, Micaela, Kyra and Branten Moreni all of Anaconda. Survivors from outside Anaconda include granddaughter, Mary Jo Moreni and her children, Tyler and Brandy, grandson Marty Moreni, and his children Milo, Anthony and Angela, granddaughter, Lisa Moreni and her children Brittney and Megan and granddaughter, Melissa Peterson and her children Demi, Jace and Birgin. Also surviving are several great great grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Preceding Mary in death were her parents, three siblings and their spouses in Croatia, her husband Jack Moreni, her son, Richard Moreni and all of her in-laws and their spouses in Anaconda. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Copper Ridge Health for their compassionate care for the last few years and to the staff of St. James Healthcare for the special care in her last days. A special thank you for the individual care provided by Irma Sepulveda, Kobe O'Hern and Tina Rader, the last few years at Copper Ridge Health. Visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home with the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and the Vigil to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Memorials preferred to Anaconda Catholic Church, 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711 or Pintler Pets, PO Box 1204, Anaconda, MT 59711.

Visitation

JAN 19. 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (MST)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Rosary

JAN 19. 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM (MST)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Visitation

JAN 20. 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM (MST)

St. Peter's Catholic Church 4th St. and Alder St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

JAN 20. 10:30 AM (MST)

St. Peter's Catholic Church 4th St. and Alder St. Anaconda, MT 59711