Catherine Margaret Burns "Cathy" Meister

Catherine Margaret "Cathy" Burns Meister, 75, crossed over Friday, March 11, 2016, at home after a heroically fought battle with cancer.

Cathy was born in Fargo, North Dakota, on Oct. 8, 1940, to Robert E. and Marie E. Sherwood Burns. Cathy and her family moved to Missoula when Cathy was 2 years old.

Cathy attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1958. Cathy married John "Fred" Meister in 1960 and together they had three daughters, Teri, Julie and Amy. Cathy was an extremely proud "Grammie" and "Mimi" to four wonderful grandchildren, Brandon Meister Magee, Grace Catherine Jeanne Bunnell, Bryce David Bunnell and Liam Frederick Stetson.

Cathy worked at Western Montana Clinic and Nicholson Paving. She and Fred owned Missoula's original Howard's Pizza from 1966-1985 and Cathy was in charge of the books and payroll. Cathy and Fred enjoyed golfing together for many years at Highlands Golf Course and made numerous friends during those years. They also delighted in getting together with friends and family to watch Griz football games where Cathy could at times be their biggest cheerleader. Cathy enjoyed gardening and looked forward to every spring when she could start "puttering" out in the yard.

Cathy was a loving wife to Fred for 52 years before his passing. Her greatest joy was watching her daughters and grandchildren grow. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; parents, Robert E. and Marie E. Burns; in-laws, Leo and Alice Meister; brothers, Dan and John Burns; brothers-in-law, Dick Johnson and H. L. (Pete) Inman and sister-in-law, Judy Burns. Survivors include her daughter Teri (Tom) Rickett of Surprise, Arizona, Julie Meister of Missoula, Amy (Jeff) Stetson of Seattle, Washington; four grandchildren; brother Robert E. Burns, Jr; sisters, Mary Jo (Jim) Hawk, Jackie Johnson and Pat Inman; brother-in-law Bob Liffring, sister-in-law Jo Ann (Larry) Thomson and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Montana Cancer Center, especially Dr. John Linford for his compassion and care, describing Cathy as "the toughest woman we've ever met" and Partners In Home Care, Claire and Rachael, for their guidance, insight and thoughtfulness.

Cathy was the self-proclaimed "left-handed Irishman from North Dakota", biggest Griz fan and a truly inspirational individual who will be treasured and missed by all.

In remembrance of Cathy, donations can be made to Missoula Food Bank, 215 S. Third St. W., Missoula 59801.

Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at a later date.


Read Catherine Meister's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.