Charlotte Elizabeth McCahill
Mrs. Charlotte Elizabeth McCahill (née Rodenberg), of Bigfork, departed this life on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at the age of 85. She passed on at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a sudden seizure.
Charlotte leaves behind her loving husband of 63 years, Charles Perry McCahill, her four devoted children and eight caring grandchildren; son Mark McCahill (Joanie Durso), daughter Colleen (David) Turley and grandson Nolan, daughter Meghan (Tony) Cameron, daughter Kathleen (Rod) Neuheardt, granddaughters Caitlin, Anna, Margaret, Cecilia, Brigid, grandsons Joseph and Peter. She also leaves behind her dear brother Harry Rodenberg, two nephews, John and James Rodenberg and their children, and her niece, Gail Dugan.
Her parents, Edna and Harry Rodenberg, and her sister-in-law Mary Ann Rodenberg preceded her in death.
Charlotte was born in Manhattan, Montana, on April 8, 1932. She grew up in Manhattan, where her father was a beekeeper. She met Perry at Montana State University, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She was a member of Sorority. In August 1954, Charlotte and Perry began their married life in Great Falls. They moved often as Perry’s career took them around the country. They lived in Montana, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Tennessee, eventually returning to Montana to “retire” to a cherry orchard on Flathead Lake. After 12 years working the cherry harvest, they really retired to Bigfork to enjoy more leisure time and golfing.
Charlotte and Perry journeyed to China, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Germany and Ireland. Charlotte was a generous volunteer; as a Girl Scout leader, as a reader at Mass, assisting at the Alexian Brothers Retirement Home in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, and in the League of Women Voters during the Minnesota years. Bridge, golf, sailing, reading, orchids, politics, cooking and knitting were a few of her many pastimes. She had a joyful outlook on life, regardless of her health. Charlotte lived heroically with rheumatoid arthritis her whole adult life. She did not let that stop her from being active and enjoying her family and friends. Her gentle kindness, easy smile and attentive listening made her a warm friend and confidant. She laughed easily and shared her joy with those around her. Charlotte was quick to offer assistance and tenacious when striving for what was right. She loved her husband. Her husband loves her. She loved her children and grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren love her.
She will be missed. Greatly. Daily.
May the angels lead you into Paradise
And when you come may the martyrs receive you
And lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem.
May a choir of angels receive you,
And with Lazarus, once a pauper,
May you have eternal rest.