After a long gracious and courageous battle with cancer Louise Marie "Weezie" (Mihelich) Orlich's battle with the disease has ended. Surrounded by her loving family Louise was called home by her Heavenly Father October 6, 2016. Though she endured two separate battles with the disease that left her body tattered and torn, the disease could never hamper her Kind and Loving spirit and she fought diligently until the very end. Cancer you may have taken her life, but you can never take away the Love we have for our dear Louise. She fought you with dignity and an endearing spirit, and that you can never take from her.
Born an only child to Tony (Spumoni) and Helen (Gertie) Mihelich on December 16th, 1953, Louise was raised in the McQueen addition of Butte. She attended the Holy Savior Grade School and graduated from Butte Central High School in 1972. Driven to care for others Louise completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Montana State University in 1976. She would always say – Go Cats!
In 1975 she met the Love of Her Life Don Orlich at a family wedding. Red faced and drug by his ear by his mom Thelma, Don was introduced to Louise and they were soon after married by Father Tom Haffey on January 31st 1976. They shared 40 Beautiful years together, including a 2014 trip around the world, and a celebration of their 40thAnniversary in Paris last July. Don asked Louise again before she passed to Marry Him, and she lovingly responded yes. Louise could not be Loved more by Don. The two had two beautiful children, Sarah Emily and Jason Vincent. Louise was a devoted mother and spent the first years of their marriage at home raising the kids. Always providing dinners at home, she brought the family together every evening. As the kids grew she started working at the YMCA Child Development Center and enjoyed all the kids she took care of and watched grow. When her father, affectionately known to Sarah and Jason as PA and well known for his real name, Anthony Alexander Aloysius Ignatius Horacio John Mihelich, could no longer care for himself, Louise tirelessly provided his primary care. She was a care taker for several family members and was always available for a visit or a loving ear to bend.
Called to help others she returned to MSU in 2002 and earned a Master's Degree in Family Counseling, completing the supervision for her Master's at the Butte Silver Bow Addiction Center. She became a Licensed Addiction Counselor and also worked for the Children's Program at Western Montana Mental Health before she took over her own practice, Southwest Professional Counseling in 2007. Louise's passion was dedicated to helping children, families and couples, and was an Addiction Counselor for Judge Kruger's Drug Court. She was very proud of the people who were able to begin their recovery and return to their lives and their children.
Louise's life was turned upside down in September of 1997 when her beloved son Jason took his own life. The devastation of Jason's death and her love for others led her to build a support group for parents whose children had taken their own lives. Through this group she helped others cope with the devastating pain of losing a child to suicide - she loved each of you.
Louise thought the world of her daughter Sarah, and they had a relationship few mothers and daughters get to share. Sarah was truly Louise's girl and they referred to each other as the Bopsie Twins as they often would say the exact same thing at the same time. Louise and Sarah spoke to each other every day and were the best of buddies. Sarah and her husband Tedd lighted Louise's life with their love and the love of their sons Isaiah and Matthew. Whether playing Rummikub the "right way" with Isaiah, or picking on PaPa with Matthew, Louise was a natural Grandma. She loved snuggling up in her chair with her boys and being outrageously silly so they could laugh and laugh. Louise shared a unique bond with both Grandsons, leaving an everlasting impression on their hearts, and many, many loving memories.
Louise will be greatly missed by all those she has touched with her larger than life heart. Gifted with gratitude, grace and love, she made all around her feel special. She enjoyed reading, plays, movies, music, conversation, and the company of family and friends. She'll miss the ladies in her breakfast and book club. She loved Montana, enjoyed walking into mountain lakes with the kids, and taking rides to just enjoy the beauty and serenity that surrounds us. She baked and cooked for friends and family, and took pride in sharing her povitica during the holidays. Louise enjoyed close relationships with many friends and pets (Dylan, Stormy, Cooper, Maggie) over the years. She loved to laugh and enjoyed a good sense of humor.
Louise is preceded in heaven by her beloved son Jason and her parents Tony Spumoni and Gertie. Louise is survived by her loving husband Don, her daughter Sarah (Tedd) Weldon and grandson's Isaiah and Matthew Weldon.
The Family would like to Thank Dr. James Hueftle and his amazing staff of caring nurses and administrators, the staff at St. James for their care and support, and friends and family for their support. In lieu of flowers the family would be honored if donations were made to the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel where Jason's Horse Journey can enrich the lives of many.

Relatives and friends may call after 5:00PM Monday in St. Ann's Church for visitations. Vigil services will be conducted at 7:00PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00AM in St. Ann's Church. Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.