Bernadine Marie Martian age 73, of Helena died unexpectedly Sunday, June 16, 2013 from an aneurysm while visiting friends and relatives in California.
Mom was born to Frances and Frank Ripplinger November 4, 1939 in Harvey, North Dakota. After graduating from Harvey High, mom and her cousin spent an adventurous year in Milwaukee. Upon her return to North Dakota, she met Tony Martian. They were married June 13, 1960 and had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Upon moving to Helena, Montana they started their family of four children, whom she was completely devoted to!
She met so many wonderful people through her job, working for the city of Helena, the fire department and civic center. She also had many, many friends that she enjoyed through her bowling, her pinochle club and serving the Lord through her church.
Most of all she loved and lived for her grandchildren. She was loving, generous, selfless, devoted, caring, kind, giving, gentle, humble and beautiful person. A TRUELY HAPPY SOUL!
She is survived by her husband, Tony; sister-in-law Margaret Martian of Rocklin, CA; her son, Tony Martian of Missoula; daughters, Toni Mee (Todd), Denise Martian and Wendy Gournay (Troy) all of Helena; her sisters, Shirley McIntosh and Millie (Jim) Leibhan of Helena; her grandchildren, Hannah Mee and Tanner Mee (Kaylin), Chantelle, Corbet and Pyper Gournay and Josie Martian; her great-grandchildren, Bostyn Mee and Taegan Gathman, also numerous brothers and sisters-in-law and all their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Frank Ripplinger and brother, Duane.
A Vigil service will be 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue in Helena. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12:10 p.m. Monday, June 24, 2013 at Saint Mary Catholic Community. Rite of Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A funeral reception will follow the graveside service in the social center of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to an educational fund for Bernie’s grandchildren in care of Todd and Toni Mee, 4520 Last Straw Drive Helena, Montana 59602.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 23, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
12:10 p.m.
Monday June 24, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Monday June 24, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday June 24, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
,
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 23, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
12:10 p.m.
Monday June 24, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Monday June 24, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday June 24, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
,
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Sherri McGuire says
Martian family,
I recently got to hug, laugh and share with your mom, after too many years of not seeing her. It made my day and I’ve thought of her often since then. She will always be the “Mama Martian” to me, since I hold memories of her and your family close to my heart. I know she was proud of all of you and a saint for raising you up so well! Camping & carousing will be what I remember most. My only regret was that we didn’t get to have margaritas on my patio, liked we talked about. My heart and prayers go out to each and every one of you. She was a delight! God bless her and you!
wendy gournay says
i love my mom!
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Oh Martian children, I’m so, so sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. She was such a wonderful woman- with a wonderful family! I will be thinking of all of you as you grieve the loss of your mom. I am sending strength, love and peace.
suzanne liedle says
Martian family, I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Bernie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all. I will always remember the great times together. She was always a great Aunt could not have asked for a greater one. I love you. Our prayers are with you.
John & Michele Brodersen says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord keep all of you close during this difficult time.
Kaylin mee says
I didn’t know grandma Bernie very long, but from the moment I met her I loved her. She was the most energetic, happy, loving, fun, and carefree woman I have ever met. No matter what the situation was, she was always positive and just had the most beautiful smile that she never left home without. Anyone who has ever been around Bernie could just see how much she loved her family and grand kids and just loved life! She will be missed, but heaven just gained by far the cutest angel ever! Love you gramma Bernie!
Rosie and Bill Gournay says
We have been very fortunate to have known Bernie. She was a gracious, loving and caring person and a very loving mom and grandmother. She will be missed by many.
Teresa Whitney says
I am so very sorry to hear about Bernie. I have many wonderful memories growing up with you guys and one of my favorites is how every morning when I would stop by so we could walk to school together, none of you could go out the door without her getting hugs and kisses from each and every one of you. It may seem unbearable right now, but know that the loving memories you cherish will carry you through. Hugs to all of you.
Carrie Jones says
Bernie’s Children and Grandbabies. My words will never be able to express my sorrow for your loss. Your Mom was my soul/bowling sister for 20 years. We pretty much shared our lives and we certainly shared yours. I feel like I know all of you very well. I could share hours of our travel with you, but the best is, no matter where we went, she and I always got lost including this last trip to Reno. She thought I was a closet blonde. I am so grateful that I was able to spend some of her last days with her. I will miss my dearest friend always. Our team will have a large space missing and will never be filled in the same way again. Bernie loved you all so much. You were the center of her life. As you all mourn I do hope you can also celebrate the life of the wonderful, special woman that was your mother. She is looking down on you now with the same smile and sparkle in her eye that she always had when speaking of you all. Love to you all and God Bless.
Lorrie Merrick says
Bernie’s Family: So shocked and sorry for your loss. I was Bernie’s dental hygienist for several years. We shared a lot of laughs, stories and a sisterhood in the face of a previous cancer diagnosis for both of us. Bernie will always remain one of my favorite patients. She always left me smiling with a happy heart. I will miss her beyond words. It is rare in this world to connect with someone so genuine and truly amazing. Love and prayers to you all, and may God and the heavens above benefit from a truly remarkable person!!
Kathy & Maury Hamill says
Tony and Family,
Our hearts are with you, what a sweet lady. We will miss her.
Love,
Kathy and Maury
Karen Rhoades says
I was very shocked to hear of your Mother’s death. I became a member of the National Bowling Team about eleven years ago and that is when I became acquainted with your Mother. She was such a joy to be around as she was always up beat and happy. I am glad we were together this June in Reno and will certainly miss her.
Bob and Bev Moore says
She was such a good person and she will be missed by many of us. Always a smile and a good word to say when we were all together which there was never enough time . She built a good family, stay strong together and help one another thru this difficult time
Carolyn scanlon. Marty scanlon mom says
Tony this is martys mom carolyn. Please remenber my prayers for you i have always had a great time with you when you would come up to our house in helena,,, i see your moms smile on you still so happy you spent some time with her before her illness,,, keep smileing tony and please remenber we love you and please come to the lake anytime. God bless you stay safe stay strong prayers. Love you carolyn scanlon
Joanne Owen says
Dearest Uncle Tony and family,
Just wanted to let you know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! We feel blessed that we had recent family reunions and have lots of fun memories of those times. We are all praying for you and the whole family during this difficult time. Love you all very much! From Emma Garmans’ family-Jack, Joanne, Dale, Barb, Shirley, Anne, Sheryll, and Lois.
Margy Kernan says
I only knew Bernie through St. Mary’s as she was a faithful usher at the 4:30 mass. I am stunned and saddened at her death. Bernie was vibrant, energetic, warm and welcoming. Her smile as she greeted people was so sincere, she became for me one of those people who just by being there makes your life better and happier. My prayers are with her and your whole family. May her smile continue to warm our lives.
Jim &Mary Martinez says
Pyper I meet you one of the times you came to church with your Grandmother I was the guy that gave you gum and joked around with you. Anyway I just wanted you to know that your grandmother was very proud of you she would talk about your basket ball games some of your adventures and always say how proud she was of you .She was a great woman as you know . She will be missed at St, Marys by a lot of people .Our Prayer are with you and your family Jim & Mary
Adel Johnson and Susan Hawthorne says
Denise,
Sorry to hear about your mom. She was the hostess with the mostess when we made our road trip to Denver. Our moms may have left us far too soon, but their love and memories will last a lifetime. Take care!
Diane Mayberry says
To Bernie’s Family, I send my sincere sympathies. I too was shocked when Karen called me to tell me of her passing. I don’t even know how long we had bowled together, but I always looked forward to spending time together in June.. Have many photos of her. She will always be remembered as a dear, sweet lady. God Bless
MARY FITZPATRICK says
The saddness of losing such a wonderful person and friend cannot be put into words. As a bowling friend of Bernie’s, I looked forward to seeing her each year and spending a few days catching up on all the previous years happenings. She will be missed, her smile, her stories of her family, her upbeat personallity. My heartful thoughts that soon the memories will replace the grief. She will never be forgotten. My prayers with you today and everyday.