Stimatz, Mary E. “Betsy”
Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Stimatz, 59, of Helena died July 14, 2012, at St. Peter’s Hospital following a brief battle with brain cancer.
Betsy was born April 8, 1953, in Butte, Montana, the third of eleven children to Lawrence Gregory “Larry” and Margaret Josephine “Peggy” (Doran) Stimatz. She attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, graduated from Butte Central High School in 1971, and continued her formal education at Gonzaga University, graduating in 1975 with a degree in Sociology.
Betsy then began a career that would eventually span more than half her lifetime. She worked in both public and private sectors in service to children and families.
Betsy married Patrick Frawley June 29, 1990, at which time she became “mom” to Sarah Rose, his daughter from an earlier marriage. In January 1994, they were all overjoyed when Betsy gave birth to a daughter, Hannah Kristine.
Betsy’s lifelong love was always her family, and spending time with them was most important to her. She was also a talented seamstress who sewed beautifully, an avid soccer fan who rarely missed a game played by a niece or nephew’s team, and passionate gardener who had recently become a Master Gardener.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Jim Richards of Butte, and parents-in-law, Louise and William Frawley of Portland, Oregon.
Betsy will be greatly missed by her husband Pat, daughter Hannah Frawley of Helena, daughter Sarah Frawley Frank and son-in-law Will Frank of East Helena.
She is also mourned by her sister-in law Roswitha Frawley of Portland Oregon; siblings and spouses Margaret Ann Stimatz , Lisa Stimatz and Theresa Stimatz Rivers (Bob Rivers) all of Helena; Laurie Stimatz Noem (Keith Noem) of East Helena; Kris Stimatz , Joe Stimatz (Beth Nelson Stimatz), and Rosie Stimatz-Richards all of Butte; Marcia Stimatz Elchesen (Dennis Elchesen) of Livermore, California; Katie Stimatz of Camano Island, Washington; and Greg Stimatz (Karen Gough) of Houston, Texas; nieces and nephews Jason Elchesen , Amy (Elchesen) and Chris Cashin of Livermore, California; Joshua and Mallory Noem of East Helena; Lucy Richards and Caitlin Rivers of Helena; Zach Rivers of Bozeman; Jake Rivers and Matt Richards of Missoula; Amy Fleischmann of San Antonio, Texas; Aidan Stimatz and Ryan Fleischmann of Houston, Texas; Molly, Annie, Daniel and Andrew Richards and Maggie and Patrick Stimatz all of Butte; and great-niece, Aleah Ryan of Butte.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, July 17, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A Funeral Liturgy will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Saint Mary Catholic Community. Rite of Committal will be follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Betsy’s name are suggested to the Cancer Treatment Center, c/o St. Peter’s Hospital 2475 Broadway Street Helena, MT 59601; Relay for Life 3550 Mullan Rd. Ste 103 Missoula, MT 59808 or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Allyn Ann Bernau Cummins says
Betsy was just the greatest person; in her wok with adoption and children issues she always thought about the issues before speaking. The best to Pat, Hannah and her family and my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Becca says
Betsy was an amazing and giving person and will always hold a place in my heart, I am honored to have known and worked with her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Brian Garrity says
My dear friend Pat. Words cannot express the sorrow I have felt for you and your family since Alicia told me this morning of your great loss. Although these things are a part of life, it just seems like they shouldn’t happen. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. — Brian
Connie Beckman says
Dear family of Betsy Stimatz:
I am so sorry. My prayers are with each of you. I am a good friend of Betsy’s sister Margaret Ann. Betsy rests now in the peace and love of Jesus.
Blessings,
Connie Beckman
Cory says
Betsy…had a profound impact on many who knew her and in the field of social work many a child and family have forever been touched by her life. Her legacy will live on through her family and her families! I am proud to have had my beliefs and work shaped by her influence. The world is a lesser place and heaven richer…we will miss you. May peace be with you…Pat, Hannah and Sarah.
Dan Anderson says
Pat and Family–I was shocked and very sorry to read of Betsy’s death. What a heartbreak for you and what a loss for our community. Peace to your family.
Dan Anderson
Dan Clague says
To the entire Stimatz family,
Living on C St, I was fortunate to have participated in many St John’s Youth group activities at your home. I am sure it was Mary, that organized a effort for us to go out and help shovel walks, etc for older parishioners. I left Butte in 1976 for what turned out to be a Navy career, but the sense of putting into work my faith started in many ways at your home continues today .
Thank you … Your entire family is in my prayers. With much respect, Dan Clague
Deb Peterson says
Dear Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all it is hard to believe that we were all together June 5 to celebrate the girls graduation. You are a wonderful close family, I know that will help you all get through these hard times.
Debbie McCaul-Kotan says
My deepest sympathies to all of the Stimatz family at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May happy memories carry you thorough this sorrowful time. May God bless and comfort you!
Diane Wood says
Katie and family, my deepest sympathies to you all as you go through this very difficult time. I am so sorry for the very sudden loss of your beloved – sister, wife, mother, aunt – Betsy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate her life and gather together to share your love and support with family and friends. May God bless and comfort you all.
Jackie Fortune-Philp says
I wish I had something more to say. I worked w/Betsy at
Soc Svc in Butte and she really was an inspiration to
me both on the job and w/my
education. I remember a play
of Music Man that we attended
together. May your family be
upheld by the hand of Jesus at this sorrowful time. Betsy
will be forever missed.
Jackie Stoeckel says
i miss you my dear friend.
Janie Perkins says
I had the pleasure of working with Betsy for many years. She touched the lives of many families and children. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Judith Williams Taylor says
I knew Betsy when she was adoption and foster care specialist for the State. She made an enormous numbers placements of children into ‘forever homes” most of which were resounding successes and a very few that were abyssmal failures. But she kept on keeping on inspiring other social workers that working with people is an inexact science and only the Creator knows how things will turn out. My sympathies to all her family members.
J Williams
Kerry Bruner says
I heard just today of Betsy’s passing. She was the Social Worker who was instrumental in the adoption of our daughter in 1987. She was one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever known. My life was forever changed because of her. I offer my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Lee and Julie Graham says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all during this terrible time. Our love to all of you.
Lee and Julie
Linda Guay Rooney says
I am so sorry about the loss of Betsy. I went to school with her, but haven’t had the pleasure of seeing her for years. I am shocked of this news and pray for her family. She was a wonderful person.
Lynda Sowell says
I have such fond memories of working with Betsy. Her commitment to children was evident in her work and I know she made such a positive difference in the lives of Montana children, and all of us that had the privilege of working with her.
Margaret Ulvestad says
Margaret Ann – I am sorry to hear of your der sister’s death. I know how hard it is to lose a sister – God be with you as you travel your grief journey into the light.
Margi
Mitch and Mary Evans says
To the Family of Betsy Stimatz: Mary and I are saddened to hear the news of Betsy’s passing. (Mary is Rosie Stimatz-Richards sister in law). We are sending thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time. May God bless you during this difficult time. Mitch and Mary Evans
Nancy Noel Marra says
I am so sorry to hear about Mary Beth! She was a wonderful person!
Ruthie Hill says
Pat,
You and your family and in my thoughts and Prayers.
-Ruthie Hill
Shelley Zimmerman says
It is Wednesday, the 18th, and I just found out that Betsy is gone. God Bless you Pat, Hannah and all family members. I am greatly saddened about my childhood friend…God Be With You!
Susan Swinehart says
Oh, my friend – I was so so sorry to learn of Betsy’s passing. What a hellish thing is cancer that it can reach out and take the life of a wonderful person. I have tried to find you over the years to ask how life had been going for you but your e mail must have changed. Maya has stayed in touch with kids from Helena and she was the one to tell me.
In addition to being a great wife and mom, Besty played a very important role in my life and that of my family. She was the one who signed the Interstate Compact paperwork so Maya could come home from California. Without her we couldn’t have become a family.
My heart goes out to you and Hannah. Even though we are very far away you and in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan
Theresa Becker says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Theresa Schrempp says
I was fortunate enough to know Betsy at Gonzaga University and well remember her calm and sunny personality. My condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.
Tom Hastings and Children says
Laurie,Lisa and all the family:
Sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. It is difficult to lose a sibling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.
Tom Hastings
Tonya Cantrell says
Betsy’s years of contribution to the safety and permanency of Montana’s children will not be forgotten. My condolences to family and friends. Take comfort in knowing she is a woman who made an important difference in many many lives.
Wilmot and Maddie Collins says
Pat and Hannah,
We extend our deepest sympathy to you, know that Betsy is resting with the Lord and we will all meet again. Take care and God’s Peace.