Marie Brazier, age 80, of Helena passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2019.
Marie was the fourth of nine beautiful, intelligent, and kind children brought into the world through Daniel and Catherine Kasperick.
Marie was born in Helena, and never found a compelling reason to leave. Helena surrounded her in loving friends and a wonderful environment to raise her family, pursue a career, and practice her faith. The Catholic Church played a significant role in Marie’s life. She grew up blocks from the Cathedral of St. Helena and attended Cathedral High School (Go Greenies!) before going on to attend the St. James School of Nursing in Butte and receiving her B.S. degree in Nursing Education from Carroll College. After graduating from Carroll, Marie started her nursing career at the Fort Harrison VA Hospital. It was around this time that she met a promising attorney named Jeff Brazier who convinced her that getting married and having offspring might be fun… and it was. Together, they had three healthy children, excelled in their careers, and enjoyed the camaraderie of their many friends.
Marie’s nursing career included head nurse, clinical instructor, staff nurse, nursing coordinator, nurse consultant, and lobbyist for the Montana Nurses Association. She was elected and served two four-year terms as the Lewis & Clark County Public Administrator from 1966 to 1974 often bringing her young children with her as she assessed and oversaw the settlement of estates. Marie worked for the Department of SRS for 24 years as a Nurse Consultant, Administrative Officer/Supervisor, and Medicaid Specialist.
In 1994, Jeff had a massive stroke. Marie took early retirement to take care of her partner of over 30 years. After Jeff’s passing, Marie returned to nursing as a pool nurse for St. Peter’s Hospital Homelink/Hospice for six years. Marie never remarried. She was comforted in her later years by wonderful friends, a loving extended family, the addition of grand and great grandchildren, and the strength of her faith. Marie also kept her social calendar full. Much of the time was dedicated to planning and playing bridge tournaments. Her mind stayed sharp and active, though her body gave way to a variety of medical ailments and eventually succumbed to the ravages of cancer. She was surrounded by family at her passing and she left the world as she lived in it… Peacefully.
Marie was a selfless person, an avid volunteer, and a source of great comfort to many people. She will be sorely missed.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband Geoffrey Brazier, her parents Daniel and Catherine Kasperick, her brothers David, Daniel, and Fred Kasperick and her sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Richard Griffin. Marie is survived by her children Bart Brazier, Brad Brazier, Brenda (Jerry) Marks; her grandsons Allen (Felicia) Brazier and Kevin Brazier; her three great grandchildren Samsara, Saraya, and Silas Brazier; her brothers Joe (Mary Pat), Steve (Linda), and Mark (Karen) Kasperick and her sister Kay (Jim) Hinch as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Weiner and the St. Peter’s Health Cancer Treatment Center nurses as well as the nurses that lovingly cared for her during her final days.
Please join us in celebrating Marie’s life. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 539 N Ewing Street. A reception will follow the mass at the lower level of the Brondel Center at the Cathedral. Following the reception, burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 3750 North Montana Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Marie are suggested to the St. Peter’s Health Foundation, St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, Carroll College, or the charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Marie.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
Sorry to hear this; Marie was our neighbor for several years and a better one is not to be found. She was very kind to all of us and we truly enjoyed her wry comments and good sense of humor. She liked to tell us how she forbade Brad from getting a tattoo when he entered the Coast Guard; he got one anyway but Marie forgave him because it said “MOM”. We will miss her.
Kathy Thompson says
My dear friend Marie, I will miss you so. I will cherish the scrabble games, our escapades, and the laughter we shared. Bart, Brenda, Brad, Kevin, Allen and family and all her family; my heartfelt sympathies to all of you. I loved Marie very much as I know you all did too. She will be missed. I am so sorry that I will be out of state and won’t be able to attend the funeral but I will be there in spirit to hug each one of you. With love, Kath
Diane says
To Marie’s family.
I was sad to learn that Marie passed away. I worked with her at St. Peter’s gift shop. She was a wonderful person with a delightful sense of humor. She will be missed by many people. With deepest sympathy Diane. Pedersen
john ilgenfritz says
To Marie’s family,
Our condolences. I knew Marie from 20 or so years back when we both worked for the state. We recently moved to the same condo group in Sept. and became reacquainted with Marie at our fall condo association meeting. It seems like I just saw her a week or so ago when getting the mail.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Jo Canar says
So sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. It’s been many years since I’ve seen Marie at the Solomon gatherings in the 60’s and 70’s but remember her wonderful smile and humor. Will be with you in Spirit on the 22nd.
Mary Jo Canar
Lenore McKelvey Puhek says
Marie was a link in our CHS Class of 56 chain, and we are all sad to see her pass away from all of us.
“Lois writes: I will always think of music when I think of Marie.” Lenore writes: “We’ve been friends forever, from kindergarten through college for many of us.” John DeG writes:” Now we have Marie praying for us.” Bernadete writes:
She will be missed.” Jerry writes: “Marie is in my prayers.” Sharon, Doug, Irene, Mary, Kelly, and so many more have sent notes from classmates but space is scarce for me to write them all. May the angels lead you into Paradise, Marie. We all love you. Lenore
Maureen Fisher says
Dearest Kasperick Family,
Sending you Peace and beautiful Memories of Marie. She was always such a gracious and delightful person that always had a beautiful smile and a warm hug when greeting me. My Deepest Sympathy to all of you with thoughts and prayers. God Bless this wonderful family.
Maureen Dineen Fisher
Diane Macaraeg Langenfus says
My deepest condolences to the family. If you were Catholic, born and raised in Helena, you knew of the Kasperick clan. Marie’s younger brother Steve was in my class and a friend in my highschool days. I was a neighbor of her late sister Shirley and her husband Richard.
I first met Marie when she was taking care of my younger brother as he was in a full body cast recovering from a bacteria that invaded his spine. We then became friends through mutual friends. She will be greatly missed her in her beloved community.
Mike and Diane Macaraeg-Langenfus
Jack Weiser says
Marie was a year younger and her brother, Dan, was my good friend. I spent a lot of time at Kasperick’s family home on Rodney St where Marie was the “little sister” who pestered Dan and me. She was a good soul and met up again later at Carroll College. My latest memory was a Mediterranean cruise with a number of Helena people, and since Venice was flooded, Marie, Jim Wilkins and I gave up being tourists in the rain and went back to the ship. RIP Marie!
Vince Kasperick says
Thank you for sharing this beautiful life story. Aunt Marie loved life and lived it to the fullest. I remember staying in the top floor (attic) of her beautiful home many times and how often she would make trips to California for important events in the lives of the California Kaspericks. Her smile, laugh and singing stand out in my mind when i think of these times. She brought so much joy to others and I’m sure she’s in heaven now, telling everyone about which sister is the pretty one, which is the smart one, and so on, and so on. Enjoy paradise, Aunt Marie, after a life well lived!
Jean Henderson says
Dear Family please accept my sincere apologies for your recent loss.Please let Gods word the Bible be a comfort to you in the coming days ahead. Rev,21:3,4.All of our loved ones who have fallen asleep in death,will be awakened.This is a promise from God that will be fulfilled. (Titus 1:2),
Erik Brown says
Brad, Brenda & Bart, It was with much sadness that I learned of your mother’s passing. My deepest sympathies and condolences. Through most of high school your house was my second home, Marie my second mother and all of you my additional siblings. The laughs were many and the memories abundant. We have all lost a wonderful person and I will forever remember her keen wit, sarcastic humor and willingness to call all of us on our B.S. when needed! Thinking of all of you and sending much love.
Rose Abrahamson says
Sorry to read of your Mother’s passing. Our lives were entwined from the day we married until the day the house on Harrison was sold. We were both married on January 20, 1962; our children were friends as we lived just doors from each other on Lawrence Street; and we ended up living across the street from each other on Harrison. Marie and I both worked for the State of Montana at DPHHS, across the hall from each other. The Abrahamson Family sends condolences to the Brazier Family in this time of sorrow.
Suze Ketchem says
Marie was an extraordinarily kind, caring and giving friend to many but especially to me since 2003 when she welcomed me into her home. You see I came to Montana from Colorado to start a new job at St. Peter’s hospital and needed a place to stay until my family could join me later in the year. Little did I know that when I rented her upstairs rooms that I would become a part of her circle of friends and family.
She immediately welcomed me and make me feel less homesick and alone. I remember our many dinners together with “the girls” and especially our Saturday’s together hitting as many garage sales as possible! Even after my family moved here, we all still went together and had so much fun. When we would return home after another successful day of bargain hunting, she would say, “now why did I buy more stuff when I’m trying to downsize”. Of course she loved her treasures and readily shared them with friends and family.
She took me to so many new places and oriented me to the Helena area and the culture. I think she knew everyone in Helena and everything about them as well but I never heard her say anything negative or unkind about anyone…that’s was just Marie’s way. She was one of a kind and even thought I eventually moved back to Colorado we still kept in touch throughout the year and had lunch or dinner when we visited Montana in the summertime. I will always miss her gentle spirit and welcoming smile. Our condolences to the entire Brazier family for the loss of your beautiful Mother. With much love Suze & Rick Ketchem and family
ELIZABETH SCHOLZ says
What a sad day. I met Marie some 40 years ago, she belong to a circle of friends that Donna Everett was part of it, we were introduced and instantly I like her, so honest and direct. Donna left us March 6, 2019, Marie was very sad that one of her best friends was gone, no idea she would follow 2 months later. Marie and Jeff, had a group of friends that every Saturday will meet and go to Garage Sales, boys in one car and girls in a bigger one. Marie was so assertive looking for items to furnish her college kids rooms, I would tag along just amazed to see all the “treasures” she would find. Old Garage Sales require one person to look for the addresses and make a map to connect them by neighborhoods, Marie was in charge of that, she was an expert. Fun to be at parties, we all dressed up, the 20’s, or birthdays at Jim and Ruth McIntire’s, play dominoes at Everett’s Cayon Ferry Cabin, 4th of July at Kamlowsky’s. She was always ready to enjoy y participate with her friends. Now she is in Heaven organizing Garage Sales with all our friends up there, probably finding lots of “treasures”. She was one of a kind.
Stacy Huber says
Dear Brazier’s,
The Huber’s are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, Marie. She was such a caring, vibrant spirit to all her friends, especially to our mother Pat. Marie was a huge support and comfort to mom after our dad past. Mom would attend dinner at Marie’s for the widow’s and divorcees group she started to provide support for her newly single women friends. She was an amazing, supportive, loyal friend. Our deepest condolences to all of you during this loss. May she go now with God.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Brazier Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a lovely woman and will be greatly missed by so many in the Helena community. We are thinking of you all and sending prayers for peace.
Bob says
I had many dinners in Marie and Jeffs home. An excellent hostess and ‘chef”. There was considerable laughing and joking at each dinner. Thinking of you Brad, Brenda and Bart. Marie was tops in my book.
bob gilbert
Darla Sautter says
I was so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. I met Marie and other members of the Kasperick family 53 years ago, and throughout the years Marie & I always seemed to run into each other here and there, primarily at the Helena Symphony. I work the symphonies, and would see her come in, and she always greeted me with a hug and some sort of greeting. She made me feel like a friend, and she made everyone around her smile. My sympathies to the Brazier/Kasperick family.
Betty Flaherty McColgan says
My prayers and condolences to Marie’s family. Everyone who attended St. Helena’s and Cathedral had a special bond. I loved the Kasperick family. Their home was warm and filled with love. Marie continued that in her own family. Her life was well-lived and she was generous with her time and spirit. Great job, Marie!
Ann Jackson says
Marie was like a 2nd mom to me. So supportive after Rosetta Kamlowsky (my mom) passed away on June 11, 2001.
I confided in Marie more than once, and she supported me and gave me motherly advice over the years. Especially when it came time to dish out tough love to my adult USMC son that was taking his frustration out on me! Marie may have been a slight slender woman but she was tough as nails. A kindred spirit always offering advice, love and strength to others. She challenged you to think outside the box, and discover inner resources you didn’t know you had to strengthen your ‘life muscles’ so you had the ability to live life fully. I will always be grateful and thankful for Marie and her entire family.
I can recall spending many holidays and birthdays with the Braziers, at their lovely historic home and at our Jefferson City cabin.
Marie was gifted with the hospitality gene, always opening up her home to friends and others that didn’t have family near by.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Marie’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your entire family. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel at the tragic loss of Marie Brazier.
Ann Kamlowsky Jackson
Gail Mulligan Griffin says
I was saddened to learn of Marie’s passing. She and my late sister Sheron Mulligan Petesch were best friends from their time as Student Nurses at Carroll and St. James in Butte…..actually I felt that Marie was my other big sister!! I will always remember her playing the piano and singing, as well as the many card games they played in our dining room before dinner. My condolences to her family.
Steve Kasperick says
Thank to everyone for their memories of Marie. Today is her 1st Birthday without us. We will all celebrate this July 4 Holiday thinking of Marie & how much she means to all of us.
Lynnette Nilan says
The Sacred Heart League sends our condolences to you, her family, and our prayers for the repose of Marie’s soul. We have requested a mass for Marie and have entered her name in the Cathedral Book of Intentions. Marie was a very special lady, and we will miss her greatly.
Lynnette Nilan
Sacred Heart League President.
Becky Fleming-Siebenaler says
I worked with Marie when she was the Medicaid Specialist for DFS. I so enjoyed her sense of humor and her love for her fellow man. She will be missed.
Most sincerely,
Becky Fleming-Siebenaler