Katherine Niccolucci

Katherine Niccolucci, 90, of Missoula, died of natural causes Friday, July 12, 2013. Visitation is Wednesday, July 17, 2013 from 6 to 8:00 pm at O’Connor Funeral Home in Great Falls. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 18 at 10:00 am at O’Connor Memorial Chapel followed by rite of committal at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Katherine was born September 20, 1922 in Manchester, New York. As a young girl, Katherine moved with her family back to Italy and was raised in Lucca. She married Vieri Niccolucci on June 19, 1948 in Lucca. Vieri and Katherine with their young son, Albert, followed family to Great Falls, Montana in 1955. Vieri was an auto mechanic and Katherine was primarily a homemaker who also worked at the Columbus Hospital and for the Great Falls School District. Katherine and Vieri spent several years in Black Eagle, Montana where many immigrant Italian families enjoyed life in “Little Italy.” After moving to the north side of Great Falls, Katherine became very involved in the lives of her new north side neighborhood friends, sharing recipes and meals and always a helping hand. She was an avid flower and vegetable gardener who shared the garden bounty with those neighborhood friends. She enjoyed morning mass at the Holy Family Church with her good friend and neighbor, Vicia Richtscheid. Survivors include her sons, Albert (Virginia) Niccolucci of Helena and Mike (Mary) Niccolucci of Missoula; grandson Sean Niccolucci; nephew Tony (Laura) Del Guerra; niece Dana Del Guerra; grandnieces Madeline and Olivia Del Guerra; and a nephew and family in Italy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vieri “Varo” Niccolucci; brother Serafino Del Guerra; sister Alaide Taccola Vanni; sister-in-law Claire Del Guerra; and her parents. The Niccolucci family would like to extend its gratitude for the wonderful care provided by Bee Hive Homes and its staff where Katherine lived for the last year, and to Home Instead Senior Care. Special thanks to Dr. Richard Goulah and the staff of the International Heart Institute of Montana for the excellent medical care she received. Memorials are suggested to Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Great Falls or St. Francis Xavier Church in Missoula.