Charlotte Marie Kindt Hislop

Charlotte Hislop of Bigfork passed away peacefully at Heritage Place early Sunday, March 28, 2010, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Despite her condition, she remained hopeful and feisty, maintaining her sense of humor throughout her illness. Born in Anaconda on April 30, 1922, Charlotte was the daughter of Ernest and Florence Kindt. She was the oldest of eight children. During her early childhood she lived in Anaconda, Seattle, and finally Butte, where her family settled in the 1930s. She graduated from Butte Central High School in 1940. On July 11, 1941, she married Robert I. Hislop " the beginning of a 68-year love story. In 1959, they left Butte and moved to Bigfork, where they purchased and operated Elm Resort for more than 11 years. The resort became a centerpiece of Bigfork summer activities during their tenure as owners. They were mainstays of Bigfork community life where they made considerable contributions to the Bigfork Fire Department, Bigfork schools and St. Catherine s Catholic Parish. Charlotte was an active Bigfork Lady Lion member and served for many years as an election judge. Charlotte will be remembered as a loving wife, a beloved mother and cherished friend. In addition to her husband, Robert, she is survived by her daughter, Bonnie, and son-in-law, Hilary Nickel, of Bigfork; daughter, Lindy, and son-in-law, Jim McGill, of Bigfork; and son, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Donna Hislop, of Polson. She is also survived by sisters, Marie Elich, Betty Piskolich, and Nancy Wills, all of Butte; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Liz; her brothers, Charles, Tom and Jack; as well as her grandson, David Benson. Her greatest joys in life included any activity involving her family, especially sporting events where her children and grandchildren participated. She loved camping with friends in Glacier Park and on Hungry Horse Reservoir. A devout Catholic, Charlotte was a member of Pope John Paul II Parish in Bigfork. She will be missed by surviving members of her Potluck Bunch, as well as members of her ceramics club, The Puttering Potters. Most recently she shared a love of watching the Seattle Mariners on TV with her husband and was known to keep an accurate scorebook of every game. An avid reader, Charlotte loved to share anecdotes with family and friends. Her reading led to a unique collection of quotes, sayings and stories that reflected her attitude toward life " this collection is a treasured gift to her family. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Home Options Hospice and the caring staff of Heritage Place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice, or the American Cancer Society. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 1, at Pope John Paul Catholic Church in Bigfork with a reception to follow. A private interment will be held at a later date.