Noreen Elizabeth Vuckovich, 80
Noreen Elizabeth Vuckovich, 80, passed away on Christmas Eve morning, 2016.
She was born on Aug. 2, 1936, in Anaconda, to William Opie and Kathryn Devine Opie.
She graduated from Anaconda Senior High in 1954. It was during high school that she met and started dating her future husband, Gene.
After high school, she attended Carroll College in Helena, where she received a degree in nursing.
Noreen and Gene were engaged for so long, that the jeweler sold the wedding band that went with the engagement ring. They began their life-long marriage on Aug. 31, 1957. They were happily married for 59 years and blessed with seven children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She began her nursing career at Barrett Hospital in Dillon. The young couple moved back to Anaconda where Noreen practiced nursing at St. Ann’s Hospital. Noreen then worked as a nurse for Dr. Malee’s private practice, after his retirement, she worked as a nurse on a job site at the Anaconda Smelter for McKee Construction. She completed her nursing career working for Anaconda Community Hospital, where she retired as the director of nursing.
For a period of time the Vuckovich and Francisco families owned and operated the Anaconda Dairy Queen. Noreen was the personnel director and was known for firing two of her sons on several occasions.
Noreen was a member of the Anaconda Catholic Community. Her faith was the center point of her life. Noreen and “the Ladies” were known for their prayer chain that served the various families and their children.
Noreen was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, William Eugene Vuckovich Jr.; her first-born grandson, Jeremy Funston; and brother-in-law, Ray Sherrill.
Noreen is survived by her loving husband and life-long partner Gene; her children and their families, Dan, Verna, McCall, Zach, Finnegan and Emery; Chris, Jessica, Graham and Callait; Kim, Katie, Mark, Remy Lynne and Tyler Ann; Mark and Aaron; Jackie, Ken, Colin, Connor, Kerianne and Kennah Beth; Mary and Andrea; John and Vera. Noreen is also survived by her brother Jim Opie and his wife Carol, brother-in-law Jack Vuckovich and his wife Vi, sister-in-law Nada Sherrill, numerous nieces and nephews and many life-long cherished friends.
A celebration of Noreen’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 217 W. Pennsylvania, Anaconda. A luncheon will follow at the church’s social hall.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Anaconda Pintler Hospice, 118 E. 7th St., Ste. 1A, Anaconda, MT 59711 and/or the Anaconda Community Hospital Foundation, 401 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711.
Noreen used the gifts God gave her to make this world a better place. Her kind and compassionate spirit has forever touched the lives of those who knew her.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Noreen’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.