Marion Molander Pope was born January 4, 1930 in Hawley, Minnesota to John and Emma Molander. She was the 4th of seven children. She passed away October 25, 2017.
Early in life, the family moved to a farm in Ponsford, Minnesota, where Marion attended grade school at the Round Lake School. Marion graduated from Park Rapids High School in Park Rapids, Minnesota.
Marion attended college at the State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota, where she met her future husband Allen Pope. They were married August 22, 1953. Out of this marriage their two daughters Beth Pope Mazanec and Amy Pope Unruh were born.
In 1965, the family moved to Missoula, Montana, where Allen and Marion attended the University of Montana. After graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, Marion taught 2nd grade at St. Anthony’s School in Missoula. By the end of the first year of teaching, Allen and Marion adopted one of her students, Patrick Sommerville Pope. Marion later went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Montana.
In 1969, the family moved to Helena, Montana, where Marion taught 2nd grade at Rossiter and Four Georgians Elementary Schools, until she retired in 1994. She was an active member of the Helena Education Association, Montana Education Association, and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority.
Marion was an active member of the Cathedral of St. Helena. After her retirement, she spent time volunteering at St. Helena Cathedral, Family Promise, and the Historical Society. She loved to golf, play bridge, have dinner parties and brunches, and continued to take piano lessons. She was an active member of Sweet Adelines for 16 years. For many years, Marion participated in the Governor’s Cup, the last one being in 2016.
Marion had so much fun with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among the many activities she loved doing with them were camping at Park Lake, making candy for Christmas, baking snowball cookies, sleepovers on the deck, cooking Grizzly Bear soup, bowling, the headache hat, mini golf, climbing Mt. Helena, the Sunshine Dish, Christmas stockings filled with toilet paper, aluminum foil, and toothpaste, and tea parties with goldfish crackers.
Marion is survived by daughters Beth Mazanec (Tom) and Amy Unruh (Greg), son Patrick Pope, grandchildren Michael Mazanec (Traci), Nicholas Mazanec (Sarah), Greer Todhunter (Brian), Conor Unruh, and Chloe Unruh, great-grandchildren Isaac Mazanec, Andrew Mazanec, and Elizabeth Mazanec, brother Howard Molander (Anita), and sisters Darlene Weddle (Al – deceased) and Norma Soderquist (Virgil – deceased). She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Allen, brothers Victor Molander (Delores) and Russell Molander (Sharon), and sister Violet Mack (Joe – deceased).
A Vigil will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Cathedral of St. Helena on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 12:00 noon. A reception will be held in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena following the funeral, with a later committal at Resurrection Cemetery.
The family extends their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Weiner and St. Peter’s Hospice for the loving care of their beloved mother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Marion are suggested to the Family Promise, PO Box 939, Helena, MT 59624, St. Peter’s Hospital Light a Life, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, or NAMI, PO Box 1021, Helena, MT 59624.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Marion.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday November 16, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Thursday November 16, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday November 16, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Thursday November 16, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Mary Runkel says
Marion always smiled no matter where we met and we always talked about the “good old days at Dillards” when she wrapped all of my Christmas presents in October. We had a standing joke about getting it all done before Halloween.
Marion’s smile was delightful , no matter where we met. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
Marie M Brown says
Marion was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. She always had such an upbeat attitude and was always smiling. She will be missed very much by her loving family and friends. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
George Burns says
Although I have only known Marion for a few years, her bright energized life touched me. She noticed me at an exercise class in which we were both enrolled and prodded me to “do something”. So thanks to Marion I travel with the ETC club and am an election judge. I had the good fortune to have lunch with her and another friend just a few short weeks ago. I left inspired by a graceful lady and a life well and fully lived. For that I am grateful.
Marlene Petersen says
Marion and I were fellow Sweet Adeline chorus members for several years. She was always such a joy to be around and loved singing with us. Her smile was infectious and her humor delightful. I was broken hearted to learn of her illness but in true fashion she never faltered. Knowing her as a friend was truly a blessing. Beth, my prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Doris Romanisko says
Marion was one of the first volunteers that I met during the Light a Life campaign at St. Peter’s Foundation in 2001. With her perfect penmanship she would quietly address the memorial cards, giving each the respect as if it were for one of her own loved ones. It was my gift to get to know her.
Mary Grants says
I met Marion at 4 Georgians school nearly 40 years ago. Her sunny disposition and quick wit made teaching with Marion always a pleasure. She spoke openly about her diagnosis… with courage, acceptance, and a bit of wit mixed in. Always a teacher, Marion gave all who loved her a lesson on facing death with dignity. I am forever grateful to have known such an amazing woman.
God Bless Her.
Brenda Strekall says
Marion, you made working together at Dillard’s such fun for me! Thank you for your beautiful smile and loving kindness. You are the definition of “gracious”…..thnak you for the life lessons. I will miss you, my friend.
Sandy Graf says
I was lucky enough to meet Marion’s daughter Amy in 4th grade at C.R. Anderson. We became best friends quickly, and lived 3 blocks apart. Besides spending countless hours at the Pope house on Choteau, our families would spend time together. Marion’s Overnight Egg Dish was a staple for decades on Christmas morning in our house. She hosted a beautiful wedding day brunch for me in their home, she was the perfect hostess. Most of my best childhood memories include Mrs. Pope and the Pope family. Rest In Peace beautiful Mare.
Robyn Nickel says
I met Marion as a teacher at Four Georgians. She was always a bright sunny lady with a very witty personality that made me laugh. I remember at Thanksgiving in her classroom she had a special Thanksgiving feast with her students. She even baked the turkey. She is an amazing lady and I will miss her tremendously.
Christine Casey says
I knew Marion as a fellow educator and as my daughter’s 2nd grade teacher. Marion was such a woman of Grace. She was thoughtful and kind. She was always challenging herself and until just recently, she participated in the Yoga classes I was in. My prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Thank you, Marion, for blessing my daughter, Erica, with the gentle guidance you provided as her teacher.
With love, Christine Casey
Leona Williams says
Marion was my daughter’s teacher, my friend, member of our Red Hats group and a loving lady that left you feeling good.
She will be so missed by me and all that knew her.
Lauren Murphy says
Marion was such a wonderful lady! She was great fun to teach with at Rossiter. She always gave me such a warm hug whenever I saw her. She will be missed….
Gayle Piocos says
Marion your red hat sisters will miss your laughter and joy. You added so much to our group. May God wrap his arms around your family and friends.
Annette Wakefield says
Marion and I met at Sweet Adelines and we had loads of fun together, both being sopranos. After leaving that activity we met again playing bridge. We had such great times in our group. Marion was an absolute joy to be around. Her caring attitude, her fun nature, and her fabulous cooking. I had the pleasure of enjoying many wonderful meals. She was a terrific hostess, ALWAYS. My husband and I moved in to Touchmark, a retirement community in August. Marion brought us a vase of flowers. Always thinking of others. I was so blessed to have her in my life and I miss her so much. I can only imagine what she’s up to in Heaven!! God’s blessings to all of you, her dear family, whom she loved and cherished.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Marion was such a joy to know through the years. I was one of her bankers and friend, and she traveled with our Summit Club group at Mountain West Bank for 20 years and then with the ETC Club at Stockman Bank for the last 3 years. We even traveled to Puerto Vallarta this past February with our group. She was always up for an adventure, always positive and ready for a party! When I last talked to her a month ago, she was so excited because she was having 9 ladies over to her home for a Wine Party on her patio. Marion was an example of a “Life well Lived” I want to be just like her at 87 1/2! It was my privilege to know this Gracious Woman of God.
Marilyn Hayes says
Marion and I taught together at Four Georgians School for several years. We had so much fun with our Second Graders. Her sense of humor was extraordinary and Marion made coming to work everyday a joyful experience. I have so many wonderful memories of Marion.
We have all heard the phrase, “Death with Dignity”. Marion truly faced her end with graceful acceptance. What an example! I am grateful to have had such a wonderful friend and colleague.
Rita Tenneson says
Marion was a blessing to everyone who knew her. Not only was she a beautiful personality, but her smile was infectious. She never failed to greet me when I saw her and I always felt special when I was around her. I was so fortunate to meet her when I joined Red Hats and to work with her at election times. Now she is spreading her joy and happiness in her heavenly home. I thank God our paths crossed here on earth. Forever in my heart. Rita Tenneson
Catherine Ferguson says
Marion and I met at Hennessey’s as gift wrappers. She was so much fun, so positive. She greeted and loved meeting new people. We reconnected again having become Neighbors. We shared coffee get-togethers in the neighborhood and wine on our decks. She openly shared her illness with us with such dignity and gracefulness. She will be missed in our neighborhood. My sympathy goes out to her family and friends.
Tamara HIntz says
I just learned about Marion’s death this weekend. So sadden and shocked. She was my neighbor on Coventry Ct. for the past 5 yrs. or so. She was also my sister Tara’s 2nd grade teacher at 4 G’s. She was always so nice to me. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Marion Pope.
Kristen Munk says
Prayers and thoughts to Marion’s family. I am saddened to hear of Marion’s passing, she was a great,thoughtful,caring lady . This summer I had the opportunity to reconnect with “Mrs. Pope”‘through Saint Peters Hospital. She was my second grade teacher at 4 G’s. I was recently able to show her my second grade class picture and reminisce over the students in our class. She had a very good memory and was able to pick out over half of the students and we talked where these students are today as I am still in contact with many of them. She got great pleasure and a few laughs out of this.God Bless her family during this difficult time, she was a wonderful lady.
Susan Near says
What a fun and wonderful lady Marion was! She was a dedicated volunteer for the Montana Historical Society-a good fit as she was a ‘get’er done’ kind of gal. Her thoughtfulness and kindness came through in my times playing golf with her at the Fox Ridge Ladies group on Wednesday mornings. As a newcomer seven years ago she was encouraging to a novice as well as always fun to play with. I will miss her, but will continue to be inspired by her approach to life.
matt &Mary Kunnary says
A short note to say how sorry we are to hear of Marion’s passing. I first met at Carroll College. Then we would see each other at the Fox Ridge Golf Course. She joined our women’s golf league. She was a very nice, and kind lady. She will be greatly missed by all. God’s Blessings to the Pope family. Our prayers are with you.
Matt & Mary Kunnary.
Mary Jo Maierle Smallwood says
It is interesting that so many people had similar memories of Marion – a kind, smiling, genuine person who never met a child that she didn’t love at first sight. Marion was one of those beautiful women who made you feel wonderful, full of life and fun and always a kind word. I taught with Marion as a naive, novice teacher at Rossiter. Her encouragement and example helped to make me a better teacher. After all these years she still holds a special place in my heart. Warmest regards to Beth and Amy and the entire Pope family for their reflection of her love that shows the depth of Marion’s influence on many generations of children.
Doug Pope says
My Aunt Marion was my godmother and held me while I was baptized. We shared so many moments, experiences and so much love over the years perhaps most significantly my years at Carroll. The family opened up their home to me and treated me like their own. They were there for my wedding and the birth of my children. So many stories- I am looking forward to spending time with Amy, Beth and Pat to share our memories. In the meantime may God watch over you and smile on all your endeavors. We miss you all greatly. Doug, Lynn, Chris & Alexis
Cathy Reagor says
Sweet Marion touched my life and several of my family’s lives as well in a beautiful way. I first met MARION as she wrapped Christmas gifts at Hennessey’ and then Dillards. Then she next entered the lives of 3 of our daughters as a wonderfully warm 4-Georgean teacher. As our kiddos grew, our lives crossed again, when I became a member of Sweet Adelines, and we held up the soprano section together along with a handful or so of other fellow sapranos. Her loving smile was always a permanent fixture where ever she was. Dale’s and my condolences to her family, and to Nick Mazanec, a lawyer in the same firm, with my husband. Our hearts and prayers go out to the whole family. This sweet, sweet, godly woman will be missed. With loving memories, Dale and Cathy Reagor .
Tamara HIntz says
She was my sister Tanya’s 2nd grade teacher at 4G’s not my sister Tara’s teacher Sorry don’t know how to edit my post from earlier.