Bertie Sigvardt

Bertie Jeanne Sigvardt nee Skees, 86, life-long resident of Great Falls, died peacefully in her sleep, at home, on January 29, 2015.She was born November 3, 1928, the eldest daughter of Jack and Bertha Skees (Skees Gas Shop and Fireplace Center). She attended the Ursuline Academy until 2nd grade, and then transferred to St. Mary's school, where she made friends she treasured and remained in contact with her entire life. She married Don Sigvardt in 1946; together they built a lovely home in the Country Club neighborhood to raise their two children. Bertie and Don divorced in 1973. In 1979, while working at St. Anne's parish, she was approached by Pat Reilly of Reilly's Church Supplies, to run a store he wished to open in Great Falls. She managed the store, located on Central Avenue, and delivered candles, church supplies, and wine across the entire state until the Reilly family sold the store in 1995.Bertie was involved as a volunteer for most of her life: the Great Falls Crisis Center, the American Cancer Society, and more recently the Benefis Hospital Gift Shop were the beneficiaries of her time, energy, and lively spirit. She sat on the Board of the Ursuline Academy, coming full circle from the kindergartener who played violin in the school pageants. She volunteered at several events to benefit the Ursuline; her favorite was probably the raucous St. Patrick's Day auction at the Hi-Ho Tavern. She loved her city and did everything she could to support local businesses, especially in the downtown district.Bertie loved the arts. She enjoyed the Great Falls Jazz Festival for years, often as a volunteer. She also loved classical music, and was a subscriber to many of the Great Falls arts series. She loved to attend the events surrounding the Charlie Russell auction, connecting with painters, sculptors and collectors she knew; she avidly supported local artists. She loved to sing and she loved being sung to. She loved to dance, and jitterbugged at her class reunions for many years. She was an avid seamstress, knitter and quilter. Family and friends were often gifted with anything from a hand-made sweater, a quilt, or one of her cotton dish rags in just the right color. Bertie also enjoyed keeping her mind and spirit refreshed with her beloved Jubilee Book Group, another collection of wonderful, supportive friends. She always wore pearls. She loved flowers, especially begonias, and any and everything pink. She took pride in her home and her yard, especially her beautiful flowering trees that exploded with pink blossoms every spring.Bertie's family, friends and faith were the most important things in her life. Her children Kate (aka Mary Austin) of Seattle, Washington, and her son Joe Sigvardt, of St. Petersburg, Florida, were truly her pride and joy. Kate's sons, Jesse and Sam Austin, gave Bertie the chance to be Gramma - she loved to spoil them whenever she visited Seattle. They adored her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jackie Skees Batts, and her niece, Ivy Giffin. Her beloved brother, John R. Skees, was her anchor and her rock throughout her life. She considered John's wife, Sue Skees, a sister. Bertie's life was enriched and supported by hundreds of friendships made over the course of her entire life, in every venue she moved through. She was a member of a number of different Catholic parishes over the years, and counted many priests and nuns as close friends and counselors. Her faith gave her joy and solace in every challenge she faced.Bertie, a host of familiar faces of family and friends have no doubt greeted you with open arms at Heaven's gate. You will ALWAYS be in our hearts, our memories, and our stories. You will be missed, but never absent from our lives.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Great Falls Women's Shelter, the Great Falls Rescue Mission or the Ursuline Academy.Visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Schnider Funeral Home, 1510 13th St S. The vigil service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 201 44th St S. The funeral liturgy will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. also at Holy Spirit, with a short reception to follow. Those able to attend Bertie's service are encouraged to wear something pink, if possible. If unable to attend, we hope you will honor her by taking a moment to reflect upon the joys of family and friends and be grateful, as Bertie did each day of her life.Entombment will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Mausoleum.