Ms. Slattery, long time resident of Helena, Montana and native Montanan passed away at the age of 88 on April 9th, 2012. She passed peacefully in her sleep. Agnes was born on September 25th, 1923 to Arthur and Myrna Culp McDonnell in Ennis, Montana. Her brother Nolan “Red” McDonnell, and sister Elizabeth “Betty” McDonnell preceded her. Her daughter Clara Ellen Salisbury and son John Thomas Parlier also preceded her. She is survived by her brothers Jim and David Culp, her son James Parlier, grandchildren Nola Marie “Jamie” Raunig, Tim Eichleberger, Jennifer Ned, Justin Parlier, and Shane Parlier. She also is survived by three great-grand children.
Agnes was born into a rural community in south central Montana. She lived with her mother, father and two siblings until the divorce of her parents. The three children were moved to a Catholic orphanage where Agnes took a parenting role for her siblings Red and Betty. She completed her high school education and went on to secretarial school, excelling in all administrative courses. With the remarriage of her mother Myrna, her family grew with the birth of her half-brothers Jim and David Culp.
She married Frederick G. Parlier as World War II began in the Pacific. The Parlier’s were stationed in Idaho and California during the war. In 1944 Agnes gave birth to her first child, Clara Ellen. Following the war, the Parlier’s moved to Hardin, Montana where husband Fred opened a blacksmith shop which was to be his trade for over 25 years. Meanwhile, Agnes worked as a proof-reader for the local newspaper and performed secretarial duties for a local Law office. Son Jim was born in 1954 and son John was born in 1959.
In 1965 the family moved to Fort Smith, Montana where Fred worked on the Yellowtail Dam near Hardin. In 1967, the family moved to Libby, Montana where Fred worked on the Libby Dam into 1972. The family moved to St. Anthony, Idaho in 1973. Agnes and Fred were divorced in 1975. Agnes then moved back to Helena and later, married A.G. “Slim” Slattery. Agnes continued with administrative jobs as well as Dispatcher for the Lewis and Clark County Sherriff’s Department. She became active in the Daughters of the Nile, the Elks Club, the Plymouth Congregational Church, and various other social, charitable, and political groups.
Agnes was well-loved and inspired many people in her life. She was known for her friendliness, self-reliance, faith, and sharp wit. She loved to be associated with anything Irish (being Irish) — a major passion her entire life. She enjoyed the finer things in life, like Western art and poetry, all kinds of music, crafts, good books, conversation, and family treasures. A good day for Agnes would be one filled with friends and family, home-cooked food, and plenty of laughter. She was a wonderful sister, wife, aunt, mother, and grandmother. Agnes showed compassion and wisdom as well as strength in surviving the death of her husbands, her youngest son and only daughter, and well as her parents and many friends. She respected all faiths and all people who showed their worth. Her closest family members know that she was spiritually and mentally prepared in her last hours for what she graciously accepted. She will be missed. Her life helped all who knew her to see the true meaning of love, hope, and selflessness.
Funeral services will be held at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 South Oakes, Helena Montana at 2:00 pm Friday, April 13, 2012. with a reception to follow. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Agnes “Syd”, please visit the guest book.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Beth McDonnell says
Syd was one of my favorite people and I would visit with her whenever I was in town. She often told me that she had belonged to so many clubs in her life that her headstone should read “Here lies Syd Slattery, she was clubbed to death.” Her wit and mannerisms were so like her brother Red’s that even after he died I’d recognize the telltale wink and sense of humor. She will certainly be missed by me.
Jamie Raunig (Nola Marie) says
Gram, My dear dear Gram…. You lived a Champagne life on a beer budget. You made everyone around you feel valuable and loved. You set an example of what being a human being really means and it’s a rare person who will be able to live up to your standard. Thank you for finding me and giving me a real family. Thank you for being you and thank you for all that you’ve done for everyone. I will miss you something awful but the memories of you I will carry in my heart like precious pearls until we meet again. xoooo – Your Nola Marie
Margaret Beatty says
Our condolences are extended to the family of our Eastern Star sister Agnes, a very dear lady to all of our members.
From the Officers and members of
Josephine Hepner No. 89,OES
Othelia Schulz says
We have known Syd since we came here in 2004. She was a great gal,always ready with a story or some good comment.I played many
domino games with her. She had many stories to tell. She was loved by all who new her.I especially will miss her,she was great company;always ready to plan a party.Loved her dearly Othelia
Judy Webster says
My deepest sympathies to Syd’s family at her passing. Syd and I shared the experience of Koinonia, a spiritual renewal weekend. Syd’s life experiences were a testimony to her zest for life, and perseverance through the tough times. Till we meet again, Syd, you will be missed. Love In Christ, Judy (K-15)
Christie Briggs, Montana Talking Book Library-MTBL says
Six staff & 100 volunteers of MTBL miss “Cyd”. She narrated 14 MT books in 1991 to 2006 for blind Montanans to enjoy, especially “Behind Every Man” by Joan Stauffer and “They Call Me Agnes” by Fred Voget. Her voice was unique & loved by all who heard it. Her personality was bigger than life itself, as was her heart and love of family & friends. She is dearly missed.
tim eichelberger says
Gram Syd,, although I was unable to spend a lot of time with you and I did not get to meet you until I was a
spoiled know it all teen; You were an inspiration to me your strength and willingness to help family in spite of your heartaches and suffering was always so amazing to me., You taught me that it is ok to speak my mind and to look outside the box and share what I could with others. Your knowledge, since of humor , political views and your love did not go unnoticed; I will always be grateful to you I will miss you Grandma Syd , now you can be with Clara and John again…
Nancy Fesnke says
I am so sorry for you loss. Syd was an amazing woman! I LOVED her sense of humor! I will miss her! Whenevere I saw her name on the books at work (JCPenney Salon) I just couldnt wait to see her! She made my day!
I know she was worried about her kitty; that something would happen to her before she could find a good home for her. I hope that her kitty has been placed in one!
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed…
Ginny Kalchbrenner says
I was very saddened to learn of Syd’s death. I’m so glad I had the previlege of visiting with her over the last 15+ yrs. She was a wonderful lady & will be missed by many. My condolences to her family.
Ginny Kalchbrenner
Sally & Ron Carey says
Friends of Jamie’s – God Bless You
Tonna Strasko says
Hi Syd,
I was thinking about you this week. I guess I should have called! Dang. I will miss you. Thank you for all the help you gave me when you took me under your wing when I first came to work for the County. I grew because you helped me.
I’m going to miss you. Say hi to Mom for me ok?
Love you,
Tonna
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Syd will be missed. She was a kind and considerate Christian woman who knew what she believed and why she believed it. We had a funny ‘experience’ years ago at a retreat at Big Sky and we laughed about it for years after. Rest in the Loving arms of Jesus Syd, you were a treasure.
Helen Richter says
To the family of Agnes Slattery:
I was sorry to learn that Syd passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
God Bless
Helen Richter