Catherine Sandra Wilson, 70

Catherine Sandra Wilson, 70, died after a short illness on Monday, Oct. 18, 2010. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Cathy had touched in her memorable life. Cathy was born in Great Falls on Feb. 14, 1940, to Charles and Edith Goudie, who had emigrated in the 1920s from the Shetland Islands. Known as Sandy early in life, she attended Great Falls High, and then the University of Montana and Montana State where she earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. While in college, she met Stuart Wilson and they married on Sept. 21, 1960. Son Mark was born the next year. Cathy began her career in Spokane, teaching special needs children. After moving back to Great Falls, Cathy served as a substitute teacher for many years. Daughters Laurie and Anne Marie were added to the family during that time. In 1974, the family moved to Kalispell and Cathy opened the Wilson Preschool/Kindergarten. Over the next 34 years, she taught over 1,200 children, many of whom were second-generation students. The lower level of their home was magically transformed into a place where young ladies and gentlemen absorbed social skills and a love of learning and became a true family. Her sweet nature and disciplined approach were renowned in the Flathead Valley. The Wilsons opened Tile Plus flooring store 20 years ago. Cathy enjoyed working with customers, helping them design and decorate their homes. After retiring as a teacher in 2008, she devoted even more time to the store, putting her imprint on the community in a different way. Cathy participated in the local P.E.O. Chapter and supported her girls in Job s Daughters. Cathy was an avid supporter of her beloved Montana Grizzlies, Flathead Braves, Glacier Wolfpack and, most recently, the Montana Tech Orediggers, where two of her grandsons are student athletes in football. Above everything else, Cathy loved and supported her grandchildren in Kalispell and Missoula. Some of the best times were spent at their cabin on Ashley Lake. Cathy s friends and family will all attest to her unwavering kindness and generosity. In Cathy s 70 years she used every minute, working hard and enjoying life to the fullest. Not being positive was a waste of time. She leaves a big empty space for her family and friends, but wonderful memories of her full-tilt life. Cathy is survived by husband, Stu; son, Mark and Renell of Kalispell, and their children, Jareth, Kramer and Halle; daughter Laurie Pace and John Brownell of Missoula, and sons, Tanner and Quinn; daughter Anne and Chuck Marvin of Missoula, and sons, Jordan and Bailey; and brother, Harland and Joanne Goudie and his daughters, Kate and Patrick Howell, and Leslie and Steven Warner and grandchildren, Katie and James. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the P.E.O. Jane Hammer Holmgren Foundation, in care of Sue Ori, 113 Riverview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901. A celebration of life and service of remembrance for family, students and friends will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Drive, Kalispell. To send condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.