Diane McKitrick, age 72 of Helena (2024)

April 9, 1952 – May 27, 2024

Diane McKitrick was born in April of 1952, at home to Jeanette and David Mainwaring. She passed away in the comfort of her own home on May 27th, 2024, with loved ones by her side.

Diane grew up with nine brothers. Her family lived in Harrison, MT until her father died when she was nine. Diane’s mother moved her children to Logan, MT and Diane attended school in Manhattan. Childhood memories that brought her joy included rocking in a “kid-sized” rocking chair made for her by her dad who was an upholsterer; riding a bike on a fishing trip with her brother, Paul, and feeling like the queen of the world; racing little toy boats made by her brothers on the “good puddle” outside of their house; sledding off of the top of their home’s second story roof in a cardboard box; and her mom’s surprisingly good baseball skills when she joined the kids outside for a game.

Diane had her first child, LeRoy, while she briefly lived in Wisconsin. Diane returned to Montana with LeRoy and graduated from Three Forks High school in 1972. After high school, she moved to San Diego where her first daughter, Heather, was born. Diane had three more daughters, Ruth, Sara, and Mary, while living in Townsend. With tenacity and resilience, Diane raised her five children largely on her own.

In 1990 she proudly graduated from the Helena Vo-Tech Center with a certificate in Accounting. The professional role she was most proud of and found to be most rewarding was as a Human Resources Specialist for the Montana Department of Transportation where she worked for 18 years. In 2002, at the age of 50 she was diagnosed with meningiomatosis, a form of brain cancer, which led to the loss of her eyesight, and she was forced to retire after several years of finding ways to continue to be a valuable contributor to the organization and the job that she loved.

Diane had a lifelong love of books, and she continued to enjoy reading through audiobooks after she could no longer see to read. After she retired from MDT she volunteered for a period of time with the Lewis and Clark Library. Her audiobook collection rivals any library’s and will be donated to the Lewis and Clark Library for other low vision and blind individuals to enjoy.

Diane also loved music and rarely passed up an opportunity to DJ for visitors. She enjoyed music from many artists including Carol King, Jim Croce, The Kingston Trio, and Whitney Houston. She loved to sing along to her favorite songs including I’m My Own Grandpa; Junkfood Junkie by Larry Groce; Tiptoe Through the Tulips by Tiny Tim; They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa! by Napoleon XIV; Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole; and Da’ Dip by Freak Nasty.

Anyone who met Diane was in for a joke. Humor was Diane’s way of connecting with those around her. Hearing the laughter (and sometimes groans) after she told one of the many jokes she had at the ready brightened her day. She also enjoyed funny t-shirt sayings of her own creation. One of her favorites was “Searching for 007, will settle for Inspector Gadget”.

Diane loved her family. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and enjoyed hearing about their lives. Their memories of her include going swimming at the YMCA; getting cinnamon rolls at Burger King; going to the library to check out books; passing down creative skills that she learned from her parents like crocheting and braiding; sharing her love of words; and teaching them that most things in life are more functional with a sturdy set of casters.

After her diagnosis of meningiomatosis, Diane struggled to adjust to increasing medical challenges and life without sight. In her later years, she so appreciated daily chats with the folks who delivered her Meals on Wheels. Diane traveled back and forth to Seattle for several medical procedures and Angel Flight West (a non-profit providing air travel to those who need medical attention outside of their geographical location but cannot afford to travel) played a crucial role in making that happen.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, Jeanette and David, and her brothers Pete, Mark, Jim, Paul, and Harvey. Diane is survived by her five children LeRoy (Cindy) McKitrick, Heather (Kevin) Kerker, Ruth (Eric) McKitrick-Prochaska, Sara McKitrick, and Mary (Whitney) McKitrick; and six grandchildren Jaymes White; Sean and Rhes McKitrick; Nikita McKitrick and Blu Snell; and Winter McKitrick. She is also survived by her brothers Matt, David, Andy, Tom, and Dan; and good friends Breta and Steve Chesley.

Diane’s life was not without its challenges but, on her best days, she carried about her a sense of whimsy. She wanted her next “career” to be as a raindrop, free falling through the sky and splashing down into a garden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Helena Food Share, P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624-0943 or Angel Flight West. In memory of Diane, listen to a silly song, read a good book, tell an unsuspecting bystander a funny joke, and find a little whimsy in your day. As Diane would often say “I made you smile, so it’s a good day”.

A reception celebrating Diane’s life will be scheduled for later in 2024.