Lynn Maureen Donnelly
November 26, 1960 – June 1, 2025
With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Lynn Maureen Donnelly, who left us on June 1, 2025, at the age of 64. Lynn was a loving wife, an endlessly caring mother and grandmother, a loyal sister and aunt, and a woman of quiet but unwavering faith.
Born on November 26, 1960, to Robert and Rita Patterson, she graduated from Great Falls High School in 1979 and then attended Carroll College, where she played basketball, graduated in 1983, and met her future husband, Peter.
Lynn spent her life wholeheartedly committed to what mattered most: family and faith. She married her best friend, Peter John Donnelly, in 1983, and together they raised four children who remained the center of her world: Sarah, Siobhan Eze (former son-in-law, Peter), Tom (Lizzie), and Mackenzie Murphy (Lorcan).
Two of her daughters followed in her footsteps, marrying men from foreign countries—Lynn’s husband Peter is from Australia, Siobhan’s former husband Peter is from Nigeria, and Mackenzie’s husband Lorcan is from Ireland, while her son followed in his father’s footsteps – both marrying Great Falls girls!
Lynn chased her children across Montana—and often across the country—to cheer them on, support their dreams, and celebrate every milestone. She embraced the next chapter of motherhood as a joyful grandmother to Carter James (9), Grant Thomas (7), and Eleanor Nellie (4), whose laughter and energy brought her endless joy.
Professionally, Lynn gave 35 years of loyal service to the State of Montana through her work at Montana State Fund, as well as 19 years at the Helena Regional Airport for SkyWest Airlines.
Lynn’s Catholic faith was a quiet cornerstone of her life. Her faith shaped the way she loved, forgave, and showed up for others—always with patience, humility, and grace.
A passionate Green Bay Packers fan, Lynn relished Sunday games and the ritual of cheering alongside Sarah—especially yelling “GO PACK GO!” regardless of the score.
She is survived by her beloved husband Peter; her children; her grandchildren; and her cherished siblings: Suzanne Baumann (Brad), Steve Patterson, Michael Patterson (Brenda), Mollie Secord (Wes), and Patrick Patterson (Shannon). Also surviving are her loving in-laws: her 95-year-old mother-in-law, Nellie (Peg) Emily Donnelly; and sisters-in-law, Megan Donnelly-Coode (Bruce) and Kerry Stubbs (Richard), 25 nieces and nephews, and more than 50 great-nieces and nephews, each of them special to her in a unique way.
While we are not ready to say goodbye, we know she will be greeted in heaven by our loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert (“Bobby”) and Rita Patterson; her father-in-law, Thomas Leslie Donnelly (Pop); and beloved family dog, Charlie.
A memorial mass celebrating Lynn’s life will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Great Falls, MT, on Wednesday, June 11, 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Lynn’s memory to an organization that serves people with special needs (Westmont of Helena, Special Olympics, etc.) or to donate blood (Lynn donated over 10 gallons throughout her life).
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Colleen M Latham says
I was blessed to meet and work with Lynn at the Helena Regional Airport! She worked hard ,we laughed a lot and became good friends. Love you Lynn♥️ You are an Angel in Heaven
My thoughts and prayers go out the family 🙏
Love, Coke
Carol Dullum says
I know Lynn from State Fund. I enjoyed working with her. She was very knowledgeable. Occasionally I would see her at a store and she always took a minute to say hello. God be with her family at this very difficult time. She will be missed.
Peggy Thelen says
All my love and prayers to all of you, as always.
Beth Ann Thelen says
Donnelly and Patterson families –
Prayers for peace, comfort, and beautiful memories.
With sympathy – Beth Ann Thelen
Joe Williams says
I used to work with Lynn, and my son also had the pleasure of working alongside her. She was a wonderful woman with a terrific work ethic and a great sense of humor. She was always so proud of her family, and they were her top priority. May the warm memories of her love, humor and spirit comfort you always.
JD and Barbara Sauter says
Lynn and I met when we worked at State Fund before either of us had children. We have been good friends forever. I’m going to miss her and our talks. Family was everything to Lynn. We send our love ❤️ and prayers 🙏🙏 to Pete and family. Lynn you are a bright star in the sky and I’ll never forget you and our friendship.
Barbara King says
So sad to hear about Lynn passing. I worked with her at The State Fund & she was a favorite. Loved her sense of humor & brillant mind. God bless you Lynn & your family.
Mary Runkel says
Lynn shared her smile and cheerful conversation as our neighbor for about thirty years. She helped anyone who asked and sometimes we didn’t even ask. Delightful warm person who always thought of herself as a Mother first. Her family was the center of her world. Our thoughts and prayers to Pete, Sarah and the family. We miss her presence every day!
Kathleen Broussard says
Pete and Family
We are so very sorry about Lynn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Janet Atchison says
I met Lynn at Macy’s. So sad to read this.
Thom Vaughan says
Lynn and met at the airport. She was always so positive. We will miss her.
Mark c Barry says
Lynn was such a wonderful person. It is so difficult to believe she is gone. Our most heartfelt sympathies to Lynn’s family and friends for this huge loss as she will be greatly missed.
Dan Gengler says
I also worked with Lynn for many years at the Montana State Fund and am saddened by the news of her sudden passing. She was trusted and respected at work but also warmly held in friendship outside of work. In retirement, I would often see her at daily mass at the Cathedral and we would swap stories of what our kids were doing, etc. A couple of times, unbeknownst to Lucy and I, Lynn would upgrade our seats when she was working at the airport which made for a lovely little surprise for us when boarding the plane. I hope the warm esteem in which she is held throughout the community will be of some consolation to Lynn’s family.
Chris Simonson says
I know Lynn from MSF and the airport. Such a great person. Always willing to help and serve others. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Marie Ringle says
I met Lynn in 1986 when I started working at Montana State Fund. She was always so friendly and always had something nice to say. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Jill Larson says
I also worked with Lynn at State Fund. She was very helpful and knowledgeable and I saw a lot of smiles on her face!
My thoughts and prayers to all her family and loved ones.
Mary Martinez says
Lynn and I worked in the same office when I started my employment journey at MSF in 1983. She and Pete had recently been married at that time. Forty plus years later she was still the kind, humorous lady I met back then. Pete, may you and all Lynn’s family feel God’s loving arms embracing you as you walk these challenging times.
Karen Rider says
Lynn and I met at East Junior High and were friends thru High School. Unfortunately we lost contact over the years. She was a great friend and I can remember how welcoming her family was when many of us girls would crash at the Patterson house. RIP Lynn and thank you for being such a fun friend for many years. My thoughts are with the entire family.
Kevin Bartsch says
Still shocked by this sad, sad news. My time working with Lynn at State Fund developed into a good friendship. Watching kids grow into adults and her focus on her family was to be admired. She even saved my pocketknife when I forgot it in my bag once! I came back to it placed on my desk at work! I’ll miss seeing her. Hopefully her strong influence and memories will remain, and God’s peace wrap around her entire family during this difficult time. RIP Lynn.
Mary Secord says
This was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful life. Well lived… but short-lived. I will always remember Lynn‘s quiet beauty and her strong love of family. She will be missed.
Mark Javornik says
So sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing… I grew up a couple houses down the street with Lynn and the Patterson family. I went through grades 1-8 at Sts. Peter and Paul in Great Falls with Lynn. Our 8th grade class had a total of 13 students and Lynn was always kind and compassionate to us all. Lots of laughing and comradery growing up. Lynn was a leader in values and had time for everyone to talk. Prayers going out to all of the family during this difficult time.
Bridget McGregor says
I worked with Lynn at MSF. She was a good friend and co-worker. Rest in peace, Lynn. Sympathies to her family.
Mary Grahn (McFaul) says
I met at Lynn at Saint Peter and Paul Elementary School. I got to know her when we played basketball together. She was an amazing player, friend and person. I had planned on connecting with her again, but it never happened. I regret that decision. We love you all. I wish I could attend.
Steve Bodart says
R.I.P.
Cheri (Purnell) Rivers says
What a beautiful life story you’ve written Peter and family to honor Lynn !
I remember fondly our Carroll college dorm days together and cheering on the CC Girls Basketball team. Lynn was a quiet person but always had a ready smile. I’m also from Great Falls so we talked about life there growing up and would see one another around Helena over the years and catch up now and then.
My prayers are with and for you now and in the difficult months ahead. The legacy Lynn leaves is one we all can hope for. God Bless you all 🙌🙏❤️
Shauna D Longmire says
Pete and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thought and prayers.
Sincere condolences,
Shauna Longmire
Carol Athearn says
Carol Athearn
Lynn was such a caring person and will be missed by all her friends and family. I met Lynn shortly after I started at Montana State Fund and worked with her many times to help set up projects for the Marketing Department. She was always helpful and caring.
A lovely life cut too short, such a shock to hear. I’ll miss her so much. Sincere Condolences.
Sheila Burton Kelly says
I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have known Lynn since the 5th grade at Saints Peter and Paul. She was an amazing person from a very wonderful family. We lost touch after high school but would keep in touch through mutual friends about all of Lynn’s accomplishments and the wonderful family she was raising.
Prayers to all of her family.
Jim Adolph says
Thoughts and prayers to all!!! God bless!!
Carla Smith says
I worked with Lynn for many years at the State Fund. She was an outstanding employee whom I could trust with any assignment. She and Pete left Montana to work in Wyoming for a while, and I was so happy to hire her back when they returned to Montana. I cannot believe she has passed at such a young age. My deepest sympathy to Pete and the family.
Kathy Strobel says
After years of knowing Lynn through work at the State Fund, my heart goes out the Pete and all her family. She was a shining star.
Dora Rose Staffeldt says
So very sad to hear of Lynn’s passing!!! I had the privilege of working with Lynn both at Montana State Fund and for 13 years at SkyWest!!! She was an amazing co-worker, friend, mentor, and just a downright inspirational being! Family was everything, prayers to you all and hope you continue to look to the Lord with faith as you go through these hard days ahead. Will miss Lynn and the banter amongst the Packers vs. Vikings that we had!!! Rest in Peace Lynn!!! Prayers to Pete, Sarah, Mac and the rest of the family!!!
Greg Overturf says
Too soon for such a kind soul. ❤️
Inez Slayman says
Thoughts and prayers to Lynn’s husband Peter and their children and family. Lynn was a coworker at MSF for many years. My sincerest condolences.
Marilyn Murray says
Sorry I won’t be able to be in GFs tomorrow to celebrate Lynn. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynn Mogstad says
This hits so hard – Lynn was a joy to be around. I worked with her for many years at MSF and she was smart, quick witted, and most of all kind – she truly cared about everyone around her. And to say she was devoted to her family would be a gross understatement! She adored each and every one of them with all of her heart and soul. Lynn, you will be missed by those you left behind, but you leave a legacy of love to carry them through. Fly high, my friend.
Darcie Dunlap says
I also worked with Lynn for many years at MSF & thoroughly enjoyed working with her. She was kind, devoted, and sincere with a great sense of humor. She was a loving mom that was so proud of all her kids. I just can’t believe she has left us so soon, my heart breaks for all her friends and family. I know she will continue to watch over all from heaven. Prayers for peace and comfort for her loved ones.
Kristie Baerlocher says
Pete, we are heartsick for you and your children. Your family reminds us so much of our own. May you all find comfort in each other during this tragic time. We are so very sorry.
Truly know, we are but a call away in tough months ahead, we would love to have you.
Love and prayers to you all.
Lee, Kristie, Brook, Braeden, Lauren and Bohden Baerlocher
Anni Druce says
I am still trying to find the words for you Pete and the family. Knowing how much love was in her heart for each of you is a blessing. May the perpetual light shine brightly upon Lynn. I will miss her dearly.
Larry Thomas says
I’m still unable to grasp that Lynn has pass. Lynn and I worked together for years at the Fund. It was Lynn who talked me into going to work at SkyWest. I have fond memories of working alongside of her whether it was loading bags or deicing a plane when it was 29 below. Our conversations were always about family. Hers and mine. She was so proud of hers and could go on forever letting me know what everyone was up to. I had a lot of fun teasing her about her rather old flip phone. Some her texts were tough to decipher due to the phone being so antiquated. To Pete and family, my heart goes out to you for this terrible loss. May God wrap his arms around all of you and give you peace in knowing she was so loved. RIP Lynn. I’ll miss you.
Sam Heigh says
She was one of my favorites. Great person and great employee. She always worked to find a better way and was so smart. I loved working with her for the over 30 years we were at the State Fund together. She was the best and I’m still in shock over her passing. So hard to wrap my head around all of this. I pray for all of her family as I know this is a huge loss to all of you. Know that she was a wonderful person and her to have known her was truly special. And I really miss her treats that she used to bring to work. I will forever remember all of the wonderful things she did for her community, her family and her co-workers. She was special and will be dearly missed. So sorry for your loss!
Ona Lepard says
To the family and Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was wonderful and I know you’ll miss her very much. Hugs to all of you.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Lynn was very nice person. She will be greatly missed by all. Our prayers & blessings are with Donnelly family. Gods blessings. Mary Kunnary & family.