Mary Catherine Ingalls Beaudette, 95 went to her Lord and Savior on February 18, 2021. Mary was born on November 12, 1925 to Bert and Catherine Collier Ingalls in Glasgow, Montana. The Ingalls family were Montana Pioneers/Homesteaders. She and her brother Bruce grew up on the family homestead at 5th Point in a log/sod 2 room house on the banks of the Missouri River. The family was forced to leave their homestead due to construction of the Fort Peck Dam in 1933. They lived in New Deal and in 1940 moved to Whitefish, Montana. In 1948 she married Ward Elliott Brown and together they had 5 children.
Mary obtained her Nursing School Diploma in 1947 from Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls. She obtained her nursing degree from Carroll College in 1960 and worked at Fort Harrison Veteran’s Hospital. She received her Public Health Certificate in Nursing from the University of Minnesota in 1962. Mary worked as a Public Health Nurse in Lewistown and 4 years later she attended Montana State University in Bozeman where she received a master’s degree in Nursing. She then moved to Helena in 1967 where she worked as a Public Health Nurse for Lewis and Clark County’s children and youth program. In 1972 Mary started teaching in the Nursing Department at Carroll College. When she retired from teaching, she volunteered for the Red Cross as a member of Disaster Health Services. As a member of the Red Cross Disaster team, she traveled to assist the victims of Hurricane Andrew, New Orleans, Dane Co. Wisconsin, Washington Floods, California Wildfires and many others. Mary enjoyed being a Carroll College Alumni staying involved in their programs and continued education opportunities. She loved Public Health Nursing and volunteering and working with the Red Cross. She was a longtime member of the Broadwater Health Club, swimming daily. She enjoyed the activities with her friends at the Senior Center in Helena. She was an avid reader of historical novels and loved her daily crossword puzzles.
Mary met Don Beaudette at one of the Helena Outdoor Club outings and they were married in 1973. Mary and Don enjoyed many years together traveling, square dancing and spending time in the outdoors. She traveled extensively including trips to Africa, Italy, Spain, France and Ireland. She was especially proud of her work with Father Hazelton’s Mission in Guatemala.
Mary was a devout Catholic and an active member of the Cathedral of Saint Helena Parish. She served as a lector and homebound minister. Her faith and belief in God was the guiding beacon in her life. She is survived by her children; David Brown (Margaret), Kathy Weaver (Jim), Paula Weller, Steve Brown (Deb) and Patty King (Jeff), 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren and Don’s children; Donna Clinton (Dale), David Beaudette, Dee Beaudette, Debbie Albright (Gerry), Deanna Largess (Jim), 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Peter’s Healthcare, Legacy and Frontier Hospice for their compassionate and loving care of Mary. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Helena Food Share or a charity of your choice is suggested.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held later due to Covid-19 restrictions. Mary will be buried in The Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison in Helena next to her beloved husband Don. The service will be able to be viewed courtesy of St. Mary’s at: stmaryhelena.org
The family asks that you join them for a memorial barbecue from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 26th at David and Margaret Brown’s home at 3640 Harmony Road.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday June 26, 2021
David and Margret Brown's Home
3640 Harmony Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday June 26, 2021
David and Margret Brown's Home
3640 Harmony Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Michael Glueckert says
Mary was a very kind and gentile lady. The community and her church family will miss her. Rest in peace Mary. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Marie M Brown says
Mary was such a bright, beautiful and sharp woman. She will be missed so much, especially our luncheons together. Rest in peace, Mary.
Janet l hinkle says
Mary was a good friend for many years. We enjoyed Fairmont Hot Springs every Feb. for many years, lunching at a new restaurant in Butte or Anaconda. We used the pool early, shopped, lunched and rested. She was a wonderful lady and will be so missed. My condolences to her family.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Mary was one of my nursing instructors at Carroll in the 70’s. She was such a kind, caring person-she lived the gospel. My condolences to all her loved ones.
Doris Romanisko says
As a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer, I had the opportunity to train and work with Mary. She was a kind and gentle person always ready to pitch in and work hard. She was a special person that made a difference in the lives of others.
Sandra Uberuaga says
It is obvious as I read this obituary where her daughter MPs character and strength derive. Our deepest condolences to the family. Sandra and Richard Uberuaga
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Mary traveled and came to many trips and activities thru the years with our groups, Mountain West Bank, Stockman Bank and then Diamond Destinations. Always a gentle lady, ready for a new adventure. I enjoyed being her banker also. What an example of a life well lived! Loved reading her obituary, there is always so much we didn’t know about a friends life.
An example of a Proverbs 31 woman to us all.! Peace to your family
Joseph D. Harrington says
Dear Family of Mary Catherine Beaudette: My prayers are with you at this time. I have known Mary these many years through her association with Carroll College and through the nursing profession. I remember her for her genuine goodness and generous spirit, always ready to help others. I memory of Mary, I offer Mass today for her, with prayers also for the members of the family she has left behind. Eternal rest grant unto Mary Beaudette, Oh Lord! May she now rest in peace with tall the Saints in Heaven. Sincerely yours, Rev. Msgr. Joseph D. Harrington, President Eneritus, Carroll College. March 2, 2021
Dennis Grose says
Please accept our family’s deepest sympathy. Mary was a great neighbor and friend to Neil for many years. They had each other’s back! Leslie Avenue will never be the same without those two!