Eleanor Margaret (Schiek) McKenna

Florence - Our mom was born on August 18, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 5, 2022, at the age of 91, in Florence, Montana, where she resided with her daughter, Judi, and son-in-law, Richard. She was the daughter of Wilhelm and Eugenia Schiek and had one brother, Erich Schiek, all of whom have gone before her. She was the loving wife in a devoted relationship with Charles Anthony Mckenna for 53 years, until his passing on June 22, 2003. Dad and Mom raised four children together, Janet (Bill), Judi (Richard), Tom (Pat) and Danny. Mom has always been affectionately referred to as “Bomma” by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters. John Kofton, who has been a loving companion and comfort to her for many years now, has recently preceded her in death. John provided Mom with lots of smiles and many traveling adventures, and we are so grateful for his presence in the waning years of her life. Dad and Mom met in 1948 on a city bus as they were headed to an ice-skating rink in Glendale, California. They married on August 12, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, and resided in Tujunga, California where they raised their children, and many years after, except for a few short years in Gresham, Oregon. Every summer growing up Mom and Dad would take us on camping vacations to different destinations in California and we all have some pretty great memories of those trips. Later, as empty-nesters, they were able to do some REAL traveling: A Caribbean cruise, Mediterranean cruise, a journey to Ireland, and many more. Mom was a wonderful “crafter,” but a better word would be “artisan.” We all have beautiful items and keepsakes that she has created for each of us, from crocheting, to needlepoint, to oil painting, toll painting, a wide variety of beautiful and diverse Christmas ornaments, just to name a few! She was always working on one project or another! Growing up, there was a home-cooked meal on the table every night and, when holidays came around, she laid out lavish spreads with fine china and delicious food, not only for her family and extended family, but for anyone who needed a warm welcome. Of course, Dad was there as the ultimate host and bartender! When she was 19 years old, Mom ran a secretarial pool of 30 women in downtown Los Angeles. Pretty accomplished, gutsy and professional for a woman her age! Later, and for many years, she was employed at St. Francis High School in La Canada, California as secretary to the principal of this all-boys school. She loved that job and made many, many friends during that time. Mom, you are going to be missed by many family and friends alike. We know you are in the hands of our Lord, and that you’re rejoicing with all of your loved ones who have gone before you. Keep a place at the table for us, and one day we’ll all feast together at the most magnificent table of all. A viewing will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Whitesitt Funeral Home, 314 Church Street, Stevensville, Montana. She will be laid to rest with our dad, Chuck, on Monday, July 18th, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.

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