Carol Hecimovich, 90

Carol Hecimovich, 90, long-term resident of Whitefish, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Lacey, Washington. Born on Jan. 19, 1935, in Sanish, North Dakota, she was the eldest daughter of the late Margurite Holst and Albert "Pete" Holst and was married to the late Anthony "Tony" Hecimovich.  

Carol's early years were spent in North Dakota, Oregon, and Montana; she often shared fond accounts of those times. As a child, she relocated with her parents to Portland, where they worked in shipbuilding during World War II. With a move to Nyack Flats, Montana, she and her brother were taught by their mother, completing eighth grade in a two-room schoolhouse without the modern conveniences of running water or electricity. 

She attended high school in Columbia Falls, later earning an associate degree from Montana State University-Northern in Havre, before a brief teaching career.

Carol met her husband, Tony while teaching elementary school in Whitefish. He was the shop teacher often called upon to remedy stuck zippers, which is how they first met when he came to the aid of one of her students. They married in 1956 and subsequently raised seven children in Whitefish. Carol was a stay-at-home mother, active in her church and volunteering. She supported her children's sports, clubs, and activities, and instilled in them independence and a strong work ethic. Throughout her life, she relished the company of close friends, family gatherings, and literature, particularly mystery novels. She most loved conversations at her kitchen table, where she was known for her storytelling and dry wit.

She moved to Washington late in 2024 to be closer to family. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Tony, her brother, Donald Holst, and her children, Donald and Janet Hecimovich. 

She is survived by her children, Jean Hecimovich (Tumwater, Washington), David Hecimovich and his wife, Kim (Olympia, Washington), Julie Hecimovich and her husband, David (Tucson, Arizona), Joan Kis (Plano, Texas) and Jill Gipp and her husband, David (Portland); nephews, Mark Holst (Colville, Washington) and Tony Hecimovich (Hibbing, Minnesota); niece, Patricia Herman (Sioux Falls, South Dakota); five grandchildren, Eric Unger and his wife, Amy (Lacey), Kelson and Teia Gipp (Portland), Savanna Kis (Seattle) and Ella Kis (Austin, Texas); two great-grandchildren, Sullivan and Maxwell Unger (Lacey); and other family members.

A rosary and parish vigil will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the same location with the committal rite of interment at Whitefish Cemetery. A reception will follow back at the church.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.austinfh.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Austin Funeral Home for their support. 

In lieu of flowers please donate in her memory to the Whitefish Fire Department by contacting Maria Albertson at 406-863-2484, ext. 2490; the Whitefish Police Department by contacting Deputy Chief Kevin Conway at 406-863-2426; or a charity of your choice.