Mary 'Ammie' Tritica, 93

Mary Margaret Tritica, 93, passed away peacefully on Jan. 24, 2015, in Orofino, Idaho, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Oct. 21, 1921, to Eugene and Nora (Harrington) McCarthy in Butte, Mont.

Mary attended Webster Elementary and Butte High schools. In 1940, she met and married the love of her life, Steve Tritica. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Jo Anne and Jean.

Mary was an avid bowler, winning many individual and team state titles. She was a member of the “600” Bowling Club from 1956-1964. She enjoyed sports, especially football and Gonzaga basketball. She could often be found cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they competed. She also enjoyed golf, pinochle, reading and puzzles. These hobbies kept her young at heart and her mind sharp as a tack until the day she died.

Mary worked at the Boulder River Hospital for 25 years. After she retired, “Ammie” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, became a foster grandparent at both the Longfellow and Margaret Leary schools. “Gramma Mary” worked with the children of Butte for 17 years, never missing a day, and she thoroughly enjoyed helping the kids, who loved her dearly, with their spelling and math.

She moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in 1984 where she enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in many school sports and activities. The call of her hometown drew her back to Butte in 1987.

In 2005, Mary set out on a new adventure and moved to Orofino, Idaho, where she volunteered for the U.S. Forest Service. It was her mantra, “Life is short, live each day to the fullest and don’t wait as opportunities are fleeting”.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Steve; her parents, Nora and Eugene McCarthy; and her brothers, Terrence and Joseph McCarthy.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-laws, Jo Anne and Brian Garrett of Butte and Jean and Ralph Richardson of Orofino. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Steve (Tara) Richardson of Post Falls, Idaho; Staici (Greg) West of Nine Mile Falls, Wash.; Brennette Garrett and Brian (Kristin) Garrett of Butte, Ralee Short and Jessica (Jerin) Capparelli of Spokane, Wah.; great-grandchildren, Logan Dammel, Taylinn Garrett, Brityn, Braleigh, Brylan and Breece Garrett, Nicole, Madison and Olivia Short and Adrian, Izabella and Jerin Capparelli, plus several nieces and nephews, and dear friends, Jean Claire Sheehan, Peggy Polito and Gary and Teresa Bordner.

Ammie had a kind and gentle soul and was always willing to share everything she had with anyone or anything in need. She was a hard-working and independent person taking care of herself and living on her own until the time of her death.

Mary was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and role model. She was never too busy to love unconditionally, listen intently, share a story and offer advice whenever and wherever she was needed. She was loved and admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and leaves behind many cherished memories. Her family and friends will be forever mindful of the lessons of life she taught them— be truthful, trustworthy and take responsibility for your actions — but most of all be yourself!

A special “thank you” to the Clearwater Valley Hospital Doctors and staff and the staff of the Clearwater Health and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care given to Mary in her final days.

Memorials may be made to the Orofino VFW, the Bonners Ferry Badger Booster Club, Bonners Ferry Fraternal Order of Eagles or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration Mary’s life will be held May 9, 2015 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Butte, Mont. Interment of the ashes will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.