Mary Catherine Zent, age 68, of Helena passed away on November 5, 2020. She was born on August 17, 1952 to Harold M. Zent and Mary Catherine Isaac Zent.
Mary lived the early years of her life in Hysham. There were seven brothers who thought that maybe she would be doing the washing and drying of dishes soon.
Mary was resident at Boulder River School from the age of seven until the school closed when she was 25. She found her way to four very special group homes in Helena. University Group Home, South Hills Group Home, Fern House, and finally to Hillside Group Home.
Mary had a unique ability to bring happiness and joy to staff and residents in all her homes. She had her routine, up early and her cup of coffee. She also assisted with making coffee and meal preparations as she was able.
Mary loved the daily activities going on the sheltered workshop, shopping, or practicing and participating in Special Olympics. There was dinner out and movies that group home friends enjoyed.
It goes without saying that the Group Home Manager and staff of all Mary’s homes had a great impact on her.
Mary’s last home, Hillside became a very special home. Mary had many medical needs that put extra requirements on the manager and staff.. they did it all with no complaints.
Managers, Amy and Lora were wonderful advocates for Mary. All staff treated the residents as if they were family, they will never know what a blessing it was to her brothers to know that staff were always there for her.
Mary is survived by brothers, John H. Zent of Spokane, WA., Timothy E. Zent (Becky) of Billings, MT.; sister in law, Jackie Zent (Matt), Phyllis (Richard), Kay Zent O’Donnell and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Matt Zent of Hysham, Ray Zent, Richard Zent of Spokane, WA., Gary Zent (Audrey) of Billings, MT, and James Zent of Hysham, MT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Mont Hillside Group Home, 2708 Bozeman, Ave. Helena, MT 59601 or to a charity of your choice.
Mark and Barb Cole says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gail Gering says
John Zent, we are so sorry to hear this news. Praying for your comfort and strength at this time. Brian and Gail
Margie (&Larry)Tritschler says
Love and prayers to your family. I will say a Rosary for her.. and you… in hopes you find peace in your hearts in the days to come.
Joe & Susan Rhodes says
Our thoughts & prayers go out to all your family in the loss of Mary Catherine.
Gail & Ron Kolb says
So sorry for your loss.
Christi Redmond says
Mary was such a joy to be around! Her personality was so big and joyful! I love everyday I was with Mary! I am thankful that God let us enjoy one of his angels for a while!❤️
Christi Redmond
Julie Wilson says
I enjoyed working with Mary for many years and she was avery special person. She had an infectious laugh and smile. She loved to chatter and give big hugs. She had a hart of gold and is singing and dancing with the angels right now. She will be greatly missed.
Violet Parry says
Will always miss you Mary always in my thoughts and my heart I always looked forward to coming into work and seeing your face light up we are all purple people and will always be for you.. love and miss you you were a great lady and always a joy
Ron Marshall says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zent family.
Lorrraine Walter says
Dear John, Tim & families:
We are so sorry for your loss. We hold such good memories of Mary Catherine and all of your family in our hearts and we will keep you in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Lorraine & Larry Walter
Dorrine Kapptie
Mary Jane & Ray Spiroff
Jeanie Krueger says
In loving memory of my cousin, Mary.
To Tim and John and your families and all my Zent cousins scattered all over, my prayers are with you and so many times I wish we had known her better. I was always so happy that my aunt Catherine and Uncle Harold finally had a little girl!!! Not that I did’t love all you boy cousins but just to keep things a little more even. I’m happy that she had so many kind and loving caregivers. It sounds like she will be a happy angel and now she gets to be with all her family again. Your Cousin Jeanie (Marjean) Allen Krueger
Deborah C Haynes says
My condolences to you, the Zent family. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Deborah Cunningham Haynes
Janice Watson says
So sorry for your loss
Dale Hause says
I worked with Mary in 1986. She always wanted hugs and was up early to share coffee. She was the sweetest thing ever. You will be missed sweet Mary.
Michael Young says
Thoughts and prayers to all of my Zent cousins. May Mary Catherine find eternal happiness across the Rainbow Bridge.