ELEANOR BEAR obituary

Eleanor Mary Bear, 82, of Havre died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, at her home after a short and brave battle with cancer.

Viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. A prayer vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel with her funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Jude's Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert D. Grosch officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at St. Jude Parish Center immediately after the services at the cemetery.

Eleanor was born Sept. 30, 1923, in Havre to Alfredo and Alessandra (Capelli) Bachini. She was raised and educated in Havre and attended St. Jude Catholic Schools.

She married Julius Preite in Havre and had four children. The couple later divorced and Eleanor married Charles Bear in August of 1959 and they had two children. Charles and Eleanor were married for 34 years and enjoyed dancing, picnics at Beaver Creek Park and Sunday Italian dinners at Eleanor's parents residence. Eleanor worked at the Elks as a banquet and salad girl, and for various other dining establishments in Havre.

Eleanor enjoyed baking for people. She loved to collect many things and had a large collection of dolls. She enjoyed beautiful flowers, especially roses. She had a great love of life and her family ties and faith in God were strong.

Eleanor's final wish was to have her entire family together and to be able to die peacefully at home. Her wish was granted and thanks to her children and to Bear Paw Hospice, Eleanor was able to spend her last days in the comfort of her own home with her family.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister; first husband, Julius Preite; second husband, Charles Bear; and son, Tommy Bear.

Survivors include her daughter, Rosemarie (Scott) Painter of Denver; sons, Julius Preite of Yucca Valley, Calif., Richard (Terry) Preite of Great Falls, Steven (Rhonda) Preite Sr. of Black Eagle and Karl (Stacy) Bear of Powell, Wyo .; brothers, Joseph (Bonnie) Bachini of Havre and Fred (Linda) Bachini of California; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorials in Eleanor's honor may be made to the Eagles, American Legion Auxiliary or to St. Jude's Catholic Church.

Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.