Jeanette Matosich of Opportunity passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013.
Jeanette was born December 21, 1932, in Anaconda to Frank and Antonia (Pangre) Petrovich, immigrants of the Old Country. She was educated in Anaconda, graduating from Saint Peter's Catholic High School and lived her entire life in this area. After graduating in 1951, Jeanette worked for Mountain Bell until 1957 when she married Eli Matosich, the love of her life. Jeanette and Eli were married in St. Peter's Church on April 27, 1957 by Rev. John Butori. Eli and Jeanette were blessed with nine children, 20 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Jeanette was very proud of her Goose Town roots and enjoyed sharing memories of her younger years as a cheerleader, attending Girl's State, going to Washoe Theatre, swimming at the park and skating at the Commons. Although Jeanette grew up in town, her love of life continued as she raised her family in Opportunity.
Jeanette was very passionate about her Catholic faith, her family and her friends. As we all know, Jeanette had such a strong love for our Blessed Mother and showed this devotion by having many Rosary prayer groups often in her home.
Mom was amazing! She was strong, caring, inspiring, loving, devoted, forgiving, compassionate and of course, stubborn. She was deeply a beautiful woman who touched so many lives. Mom was a pillar of strength for not only our family but also for those who met her and beyond. She was welcoming to all and her home was everyone's home. Mom always hugged everyone along the way. She was so kind and appreciated all the little things of life. She was a fountain of selflessness.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband Eli, and nine of her siblings; Eugene "Eugie" Petrovich, Geneieve (Ray) Zook, Stephen "Zebbie" (Dorothy) Petrovich, Virginia (Don) Gates, Felix (Pauline) Petrovich, Eberhard "Ebbie" Petrovich, Fred Petrovich, Marion Caulfield and Alfred Petrovich.
Jeanette is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Henry "Hank" and Jane Petrovich of Butte, MT., sisters-in-law Nicki Petrovich of Anaconda, Beverly Petrovich of Spokane, WA., Kay Petrovich of Stevensville, MT., and brother-in-law Terry Caulfield of Anaconda. Additional survivors include sisters-in-law Velma (Matosich) Batten of Butte, MT., Shirley Matosich of Big Fork, MT., and Flora Matosich of San Diego, CA. Jeanette is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews that she dearly loved.
Jeanette is also survived by her nine children and their families. Greg and Rita Matosich of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, children Melissa (Mark Luebeck, child Maliyah) of Bozeman, MT., Vanessa (Josh Broston, children Sophia and Lilly) of Bismark, ND., Stephanie Matosich Las Vegas, NV., Eli Matosich of Salsberry, PA.; Tony and Lynn Matosich of Carlin, NV., children Mathew of Winnemucca, NV, Anthony of Dillon, MT., Christian of Carlin, NV.; Chris and Kelly Matosich of Arroyo Grande, CA., children Alicia (Brandon Brewster) of San Francisco, CA., Michael of Davis, CA.; Jerome Matosich of Butte, MT.; Jeanine Matosich of Opportunity, MT.; Stacey and Lynn Bradley of Kalispell, MT., children Jerica of Boston, MA., Austin of Kalispell, MT, Adam of Kalispell, Mt., Ken and Carla Matosich of Meridian, ID., children Kyler of Portland, Or., Cameron of Moscow, ID.; Gabe and Teri Matosich of Havre, MT., children Derek and Mariah, Adrian and Elizabeth Matosich of Bozeman, MT., children AJ, Maria, Aden and Isaiah.
Mom will be missed very much as she was a joy for all to be around. We know that she will continue to shower us with her love and watch over us from above. We will always treasure her friendship, love and beliefs. We have such wonderful memories that will be treasured forever. We thank her for all she has given us!
Visitation
MAY 2. 7:00 PM (MDT)
St. Peter's Catholic Church
4th St. and Alder St.
Anaconda, MT 59711