Catherine Sandra Wilson, 70, died after a short illness on Monday, October 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, Montana on February 14, 1940 to Charles and Edith Goudie, who had emigrated in the 1920’s 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 September 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 1200 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 Wilson’s 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 PEO Chapter and supported her girls in Jobs Daughters. Cathy was an avid supporter of her beloved Montana Grizzlies, Flathead Braves, Glacier View 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 (Renell) of Kalispell and their children Jareth, Kramer and Halle; daughter Laurie Pace (John Brownell) of Missoula and sons Tanner and Quinn; daughter Anne (Chuck) Marvin of Missoula and sons Jordan and Bailey; brother Harland (Joanne) Goudie and his daughters Kate (Patrick) Howell and Leslie (Steven) Warner and grand-children Katie and James.