Mary A. Hallauer, age 76, of Helena

Mary Amanda McLaughlin Hallauer, 76, of Helena, passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on Monday, April 7, 2014 and, after several years of dealing with various physical ailments, was taken home to heaven to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. Her heavenly reunion has begun in earnest.

Mary was born on July 3, 1937, in Butte, to James F. McLaughlin and Anna (Swetish McLaughlin) Dick. She grew up in Dillon, Montana and graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1955. She married Melvin Hallauer in 1963 and together had two children: James Hallauer of Helena and Anna (Hallauer) Pennington of Lake Stevens, WA. She was the oldest sibling of two and was preceded in death by her brother, James E. McLaughlin of Twin Falls, ID., Father, Mother, and husband Mel.

Mary was interested in the nursing profession at the very early age of 2, telling everyone she wanted to be a “nertz”. After High School, she followed her passion and attended nurses training at Carroll College in Helena (class of 1958) and took her clinical training at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings. After graduating, Mary worked at St. James Hospital in Butte before moving to St. John’s Hospital in Helena from 1963 until it closed in 1973. Mary continued nursing for Dr. Seliskar at his office in Helena until he retired then moved to the staff of Cooney Convalescent Home, where she retired in 1999. Mary was a very caring and passionate nurse that put the needs of her patients first.

Mary was a spiritual and passionate person that enjoyed travelling and vacationing with Mel and her children, spending time at Glacier Park, and visiting relatives in Canada. After Mel passed away suddenly in 1985 at the age of 43, Mary travelled and toured the western states with her mother and cruised to Alaska before her mother’s passing in 2003.

Mary was an avid football fan; some might say “Super Fan”. Her passion for football went along with the way she lived her life. She loved to watch the Capital High Bruins and Carroll College Saints Win-Win-Win, and spent countless days attending the local games in all weather conditions. She travelled to many of the away games, including NAIA Championships to support her teams.

Everyone who knew Mary would say she was a very compassionate and supportive person. She was loved and appreciated by those who had the opportunity to share their lives with her, even if it was just a passing conversation. She cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was very proud of them.

Mary is survived by James (Lori) Hallauer of Helena, grandchildren Sarah and Nathan; Anna (Patrick) Pennington of Lake Stevens, WA, grandchildren Mary, Shawn, and Brittany, and great-grandchildren Landon and Lucas; Uncle Edward Swetish of Helena; and many nieces, nephews and family friends. 

Mary will be dearly missed and remembered as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.    

Funeral services will be held at the First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave, Helena, Thursday, April 10th, at 11:30 AM. We want to thank everyone for their love, support, and kind prayers during this difficult time, our family will remember and cherish these moments forever. A special thanks goes to the staff at The Renaissance assisted living, and the staff working with Mary at St Peters Hospital who took wonderful care of Mary during her short stay and for their comfort and compassion towards our family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to a charity of their choice.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:30 a.m.

Thursday April 10, 2014

First Assembley of God Church

2210 Dodge Ave.

Helena, Montana 59601

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