Myrna Theresa Kitchin (Nevin)

Myrna Theresa (Nevin) Kitchin, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, September 19th, 2022 at her home in Missoula.

Born in Butte on September 13th, 1935 to Ernest and (Mary) Theresa Nevin, Myrna was the youngest of seven siblings. She attended Catholic Grade School and Girls Central High School. After graduating, Myrna moved to Helena to study nursing at Carroll College.

Myrna met her favorite dance partner and love of her life, James O. Kitchin (Jim), in the spring after graduating high school. They were engaged while Myrna attended Carroll College and Jim honorably served his country overseas in Germany. They married on May 10th, 1958 in Butte. Soon after, they moved to Missoula while Jim attended the University of Montana and started their family. Myrna felt blessed beyond measure as her family grew, becoming not only a mother, but also grandmother and great-grandmother. Many friends and family members who visited her home would say “this home is built on love.”

Myrna found her passion in life through working as a paraprofessional with special needs students in Missoula Public Schools. She met many wonderful colleagues and students, including her favorite student and honorary family member, Matt Bitney, who continued to call her at least once a week for the remainder of her life.

Myrna was kind, compassionate, and welcoming to anyone who walked through her door. Between keeping up with her grandkids and plenty of social gatherings, Myrna always had a full schedule. She loved attending Griz games and inviting everyone over for coffee and donuts before the annual homecoming parade. Family and friends always requested she bake her famous Butte pasties for holidays and events. She was proud of her Butte, Irish heritage.

Myrna loved to travel. She enjoyed vacations around the United States, especially cheering on the Packers in Green Bay with family and summer trips to Flathead Lake were always memorable. Her most cherished destination was to Ireland, where she found her roots and visited the home her mother lived in on Beara Peninsula. In addition, she traveled to Germany and Austria.

Myrna “Nanny” was always there to help babysit, chauffeur, celebrate, and spoil her grandchildren. She is loved and will be missed beyond words.

She is survived by her children James (Janet), Keith, Kevin (Cris), Denise Tribble (Jeff), and Colleen MacDonald (Doug). She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband James O. Kitchin, grandson James (Jimmy) Kitchin, parents Ernest and Theresa Nevin, and siblings and their spouses Edward, Michael, Jule, Don, George, and Ernest; her mother and father-in-law Glenn and Beth Kitchin, and sister-in-law Janie Petersen and her husband.

A rosary service will be held on September 29th at 6:30 P.M. at St. Francis Church. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Mass is scheduled for 1:30 P.M. on September 30th at St. Francis Church. A Zoom link for the mass can be found on sfxmissoula.org. A Celebration of Life will follow at St. Anthony Parish. Please wear bright colors as requested by Myrna’s family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to:
St. Francis Xavier Church, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Enhabit Hospice, Missoula Aging Services, Special Olympics or Children’s Special Needs Programs, and The Humane Society.

Livestream @ SFX here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7En_lbYgYdg