Mary Catherine Brand was born to Robert and Lena Bowers in Great Falls, Montana on March 26, 1929, the youngest of six siblings. She attended Saint Mary’s High School and later Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington where she became a laboratory technician.
Mary married James Brand in 1952 and they soon started their brood of nine children. Mary spent the next 30 years attempting to shepherd this unruly herd, until the last of them was safely out in the world.
Mary was a faithful member of the Catholic church all her life, rarely missing a mass. She was a common fixture at Saint Joseph’s and Saint Luke’s parishes in Great Falls and later Saint Mary’s in Helena. She was involved in many church activities, including the Altar Society.
Mary and Jim were married for 48 years and after his death in 2001, she split her time between Helena, Montana and Apache Junction, Arizona. She was able to indulge her love of traveling, accompanying her daughters on trips from Europe to Alaska and many places in between.
Mary was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Robert Bowers, Sister Mary Bernard, James Bowers, Agnes Lesofski, and Francis Bowers. She is survived by her children Michael (Jan), Mary Waltari (Don), Margie Rustin, Joseph (Chrissy), Mark (Alena), Terri Wallace, Patrick, Paul (Lavone), Steven (Heather), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 with many of her children by her side. Memorial services are pending and are currently anticipated to take place in the spring. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Son Heaven Assisted Living for their loving care. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Son Heaven Assisted Living in Helena, Montana.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Roy Moreno says
I met Mary when she move in at Son Heaven would talk with her at breakfast she loved her ice staff made sure she always had some one day staff was bringing in our weekly groceries I asked him for a package of grapes for my room Mary said you better share them with me which I did took some down to her room but she was sleeping so I set them on her walker I will miss my morning chats with her RIP you got your wings fly high above those clouds my friend
Deb Kralicek says
I met Mary when I was Pastoral Director at Saint Mary Catholic Community. We had many great conversations over the past several years. She always had a smile and a kind word. A beautiful soul with a big heart. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Mary is now reunited with her Jim. May she be welcomed into the arms of our Lord.
Allison (DiRocco) Sever says
Mary was such a loving, caring personality with sparkling eyes and warm hugs. She loved her family dearly. She shared with me memories of my dad as a little boy going into the store where she worked. We connected through those memories and she always had kind words to share. I will always reflected affectionately on memories of her and Agnes. Rest in peace, Mary. Prayers to all your family.