Mary Stipich passed away on July 28, 2011 at the age of 91.
She was born in Butte on March 7, 1920, the oldest child of Mary and Anton Murgel.
When Mary was four years old, the family moved to East Helena where she resided until two years ago when she moved to Hunters Point in Helena. She married Edward Michael Stipich in 1947. In 1949 Mary and Edward welcomed a son, Edward (Ed) Joseph Stipich. She and her husband were founding members of the Cory Dullum Post 10010 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and she served as the first president of the VFW Auxiliary.
She dedicated most of her life to community service volunteering at Fort Harrison, the VFW and the East Helena Improvement Association. She was also a very active member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish. In recognition of her volunteer work Mary was the proud recipient of many awards such as the Carroll College Community Service Award, the Father Mavsar Award , and the East Helena Citizen of the Year Award, just to name a few. She enjoyed being with her family and took great pride in her granddaughters’ achievements.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents Mary and Anton Murgel, her brothers Tony, Ed and Frank Murgel, her husband Edward, and her son Ed.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Birgit Stipich and her three granddaughters, Marianne, Susi (Brad), and Christine Stipich.
Viewing hours will begin at noon on Tuesday, August 2nd with a Vigil service to be held at 7:30 p.m., at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Chapel. There will be short viewing time from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the church prior to Mass. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday August 3rd, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.
Memorial in Mary’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Geri Funk says
To Marianne, Susi, Birgit & your family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers with Mary’s passing. It sounds like she had a wonderful life of which you should be proud.
If you don’t remember, Marianne and Susi, I had the pleasure of teaching you 4th grade. I hope you are all doing well.
Sincerely,
Ms. Funk
Jo Ann Yuricic says
A faithful servant of God to the end.
Marlene Longfellow says
I have missed you Mary. Mu thoughts and prayers are with your family. We always had fun times together.
Mary Brydich says
Birgit and daughters – Mary was such a jewel. So much of my life was intertwined with hers. She and Gladys Russ were Mom’s best friends. I had so many associations with her through my childhood, VFW and church. She did so much for so many. I will miss her and I am so sorry for your loss.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
What a wonderful and giving individual. East Helena was so very fortunate to have you. Your legacy will continue to live on in many ways. “God Bless”
Susan Jacobson says
I have known Mary about 5 years now. I used to take her to the Home Health Care group, and she would come with Mary Yuric, Katerine Yuricic and me to celebrate birthdays, go out to lunch and such. She has been a great friend, a sympathetic listener, and a prayer warrior. She also had a great sense of humor. One time I said something she didn’t like and she replied, “I’m going to punch you in the nose for that.” I was taken aback. Then she softened and said, “Maybe I’ll do it tomorrow.”
I will miss her.
Ward Stiles says
Birgit and family: Ia m so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you these days. I did not know Ed’s mother but she did so much for the community, church, and veterans that she will surely be missed.