Mary J. Talley
April 21, 1948-February 11, 2023 Mary Talley, age 74 passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana on Saturday, February 11th. She opened her eyes, smiled at her daughters one final time to send them her love, then closed her eyes and began her journey to join the love of her life, who had passed 10 years prior.
Mary was the only child born to Hildeberto and Maria Medeiros in Massachusetts. At age 5 her parents moved their family to Dos Palos, California and then later to Kerman to work in the fields and on a dairy farm. Though both of her parents spoke primarily Portuguese, Mary was a straight ‘A’ student throughout her entire school career. After school and work, she would come home and teach her parents English. Growing up, she enjoyed playing field hockey and soccer when she could. Besides being a great student Mary was a hard worker in the fields, carrying her load and her mother’s.
Mary attended Kerman High School where she met Ray, the man she would marry and share her life with. Mary was Queen of Kerman for the Portuguese celebration of the Holy Spirit. On November 20, 1965, and with the blessing of her parents, Mary Medeiros became Mary Talley. She returned and finished high school with honors. When she was done with high school, she was fluent in five languages. In 1966, Ray and Mary lost their first-born baby girl. Mary would always remind her family she had five children throughout her life. In 1967, Mary gave birth to their 1st son Alton Ray Junior. Soon after, Mary moved to Pasadena, with her husband, son, and parents. In 1968, Mary gave birth to her daughter Lisa Ann (Kleeman-1997). In 1972, Mary gave birth to her son Daniel Vas and in 1975, gave birth to Cheryl Marie.
Mary attended Pasadena City College where her professors praised her and attempted to steer her towards being a linguist. But Mary’s primary devotion was to her family, as Ray worked his way through the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Academy, Mary went on to take a position at Sears to provide for her family. Mary would end up working for Sears for more than 20 years. Initially she was hired as a sales associate but was quickly promoted up the chain until she became Supervisor of the Western District Office for Sears Corporations. In the mid 1980’s, Ray started his own private investigation firm. As the business grew, Ray and Mary decided Mary would retire from Sears and join the family business full time.
While visiting their youngest at Carroll College, they decided to move to Montana. Mary, her parents, her husband, first three grandchildren and oldest son journeyed to Helena. Followed soon by their eldest daughter, as well. Mary soon began working for the state at the Department of Environmental Quality. Mary proudly worked there for 20+ years making many friends until she retired in June 2018. During her time working for the State of Montana, Mary twice received the Governor’s award for Excellence.
Mary was loved and admired by everyone she came in contact with. She made more of an impact on the people that knew her than she ever realized. Mary was honest, hardworking, and willing to help anyone that needed it; without hesitation or expecting anything in return. Mary was always there for her family. Her family came first no matter what and no one in her family ever doubted that. She was completely selfless; she did more than light up a room, she lit up the hearts of those within it.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Hildeberto and Maria Medeiros (Helena, MT), unborn daughter 1966, and the love of her life and husband Ray Talley (Helena, MT).
Mary is survived by her children Alton Talley, Lisa Kleeman, Daniel Talley, and Cheryl Talley. Her daughter-in-law Jackie (Daniel) and son-in-law Landon (Lisa). Mary and Ray loved Landon as if he were their own as Landon always did his best to take care of Mary and the family. Additionally, Mary is survived by 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Viewing will begin at 5 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 20th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. Viewing will begin again at 11 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to begin at 12:10 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21st at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. Burial will follow the Mass at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the fellowship hall of the church.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2023
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2023
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2023
Saint Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2023
Saint Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Service
Tuesday February 21, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2023
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2023
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2023
Saint Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2023
Saint Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Service
Tuesday February 21, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Barbara Hanson says
Dear Mary Jane,
You will be missed, I regret distance and circumstances have prevented time together. It brings peace and solice to know you are happily with your beloved husband, my brother.
Prayers for you and your dear family,
Aunt “B”
(Barbara)
Jodi Anderson says
Mary or Mama Mary as I so fondly called her was a wonderful woman! The Talley family was the 1st Helena friends I had and on the occasion my daughter couldn’t make it home for a holiday, she always made sure I was included. She and Ray adopted my daughter and I and were always had an open door, and lots of love and laughter to share. You will be missed Mama, however I’m so happy you are with (papa) Ray again.
Carolyn DeMartino says
Mary, my wonderful friend, I have missed you every day since you went to be with our Lord. I always knew you were an amazing woman but having the privilege to spend even more time with your family I am learning even more just how amazing you were. Ray and you raised a wonderful family. I thank God that you and your dear family have and will continue to be a part of my life. I am happy knowing that you are with your beloved Ray.
Dionne Giammaria says
Miss Mary, I miss you I will forever appreciate your friendship and continue to use the extensive knowledge you have shared with me. I am so so sad that I did not get to see you lately. But I am sooooo happy, you are with your dance partner! Go dance Mary!
Carolyn K Pelletier says
To Mary’s family and friends:
My deepest sympathies. Mary was a sparkling personality. She was a joy to work with. I worked with her years ago at the State. She was always happy. I know she loved her family and friends. She was always willing to help anyone in need. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her.
Linda Star McCollister says
My Dear Mary IAM missing you so much. Thank you so much You were the best “sister”in-law always talking to me and helping me get through my hard times. I Love You and Miss You So Very Much.
Scott Graham says
Mary, you were always so kind. Thank you for that it made such a difference. Nossa Senhora de Fatima te protege. Abracos e beijos.
Cyndi Tarno says
Dearest Aunt Mary Jane
I know that you are dancing with Uncle Ray again.Love and Miss you so much sending love strength and prayer’s to my cousins who are going through this difficult time.
Love
Cyndi (niece)
Kirsten H Bowers says
Mary was a joy to work with at Montana DEQ. She was always kind, willing to help, and always had a twinkle in her eye. We had some good talks and laughed a lot. My heart goes out to the Talley Family.
Kirsten Bowers
Bill Snoddy says
Mary was a constant bright spot at the DEQ. She always had a minute to talk and was always willing to help, or share a happy thought. I am sure she is making heaven a brighter and happier place.
Bill Snoddy
wyatt talley says
my Nana was the nicest person you could meet. she was nice to everyone Nana
I miss you and papa both very much