Patty Ungaretti

Jeanne Patricia (Patty) O’Connor Ungaretti was the first of four daughters born to Tom and Jeanne O’Connor in Miles City, Montana.  This blessed Irish Girl with a huge heart was born on February 14, 1939, and lifted to heaven on June 23, 2024. 

Some of Patty’s happiest memories were growing up in Miles City, living with her mom and grandparents while her dad was stationed with the US Navy aboard the USS Whiteside in the South Pacific.  After being discharged from the Navy the family moved to Billings in 1946, where Patty attended Catholic schools and graduated from Billings Central in 1957.  After high school, Patty enrolled at The Sisters of Charity School of Nursing at Caroll College.  Upon graduation in 1960, Patty started her nurses training at Warm Spring State Hospital. The Irish girl from Billings was introduced to an Italian Stallion from Anaconda.  Pasta and Potatoes, Irish and Italian, Patty and Bob were married on September 1, 1962, at St. Peters Church in Anaconda.  This union was blessed with four children, Cathy, John, Joe and Mike. Patty would not realize how valuable her nurses training would be throughout their 58 years of marriage as she became Bobs #1 nurse after his heart transplant. 

Patty stayed at home to raise her family and volunteer at the schools.  In 1975 she started her nursing career at Warm Springs State Hospital.  After 25 years of nursing, she retired as the Nurses’ Manager.  After retirement Patty gave back to the community she came to love.  She worked at Hearst Free Library, volunteered at the Catholic Church, Project Care Food Bank and the Anaconda Garden Club.

A dream came true in 2004, Patty traveled to Ireland to explore her Irish heritage.  She was a 40-year member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and served as president from 2007-2010. Patty was honored when she was selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2019 St Patrick’s Day Parade. She was an original member of the Irish Washerwoman’s Brigade and Irish dancing group the Ashlings.  

Knocking on heaven’s door, Patty will be welcomed home by Bob, her parents Tom and Jeanne O’Connor, in-laws Mario and Rena Ungaretti, infant son Thomas Michael Ungaretti, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

Patty is survived by her daughter Cathy (Robert) Croley, Castle Rock, Co, sons John (Joan) Ungaretti, Missoula, Joe (Heidi) Ungaretti, Anaconda and Mike (Abby) Ungaretti, Livingston; grandchildren Nick and Austin (Kye Ingle) Croley, Kori, Alex and Kramer Ungaretti, Ricco Ungaretti, Connor and Mario Ungaretti, Garison and Hayden Dodge and Ryleigh Ungaretti; great grandson Hughey Croley, sisters and husbands Cathy (Joe)Maggart, Lebanon, TN, Janny (Bill) Pedersen and Peggy (Ken) Hanstrom of Billings, MT; sister in law and husband Shirley (Dwayne) Manson, Anaconda, special friends Cait Francisco, her LAOH sisters,  as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Patty’s extended family at New Horizons, Jerly Schultz, Glenna Renolds and all the staff and residents who made Patty’s last year’s special.  

A Special Thanks are given to the health care staff of Anaconda Community Hospital and the Anaconda Pintler Hospice. They are true angels on Earth.  

May the Irish hill caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you.  May the blessings of St Patrick behold you.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30am on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Holy Family Church, 217 Pennsylvania St, Anaconda.  Graveside services will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetary and a luncheon in the Hunthausen Center will follow.  Memorials can be made to Anaconda Project Care or Anaconda Pintler Hospice.

Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Patty.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Patty and her family.