Mary Lou Beatty Fisher, age 78, passed away June 9, 2022 at her home surrounded by family.
Mary Lou lived a life of dedication to her family, faith and community. She was deeply devoted to her family with a steadfast and caring love. She was always busy working hard at her home and her profession, and yet she was sure to add fun, brightness and cheer to every day. Her husband, son and daughter were her most precious treasures. In her vocation, she led by example. She was the first recipient of the J. C. Penney Golden Rule Award. She was proud of her 31 years of service at USF&G from which she retired in 1999. She then transitioned to Payne West Insurance.
Her kindness and generosity extended to her community. She was a committed volunteer in many community events and organizations, including: Insurance Women of Helena, American Business Women’s Association, Pilot Club, Helena Council for Prevention of Child Abuse, Friends of the Children, Thanksgiving Baskets, Festival of Trees, the Dave Duensing Memorial Golf Tournament. Mary Lou’s dedication to her faith was her foundation and she was very active in her faith community throughout her life.
Mary Lou had a beautiful inner strength that helped carry her through the ups and downs of life, which included successfully overcoming her battle with breast cancer. She lived with Alzheimer’s for many years. It is a disease that can creep up on one, almost unnoticed, as it quietly absorbs memories and functions into the mists of the illness. She passed away peacefully at home attended by her family. She showed strength throughout her journey with Alzheimer’s, and though it clouded over much of her final time, it cannot erase the enduring legacy of love, kindness and dedication that Mary Lou shared with so many – especially her family and friends who remember and cherish her full life’s journey.
Mary Lou is survived by her family, including her husband John Fisher, her son George Fisher, her daughter Kathy LaGrone, her sister Patricia Halpine (Russell), her brother John Beatty (Sandy), and her grandchildren, Zach LaGrone (Andrea) and Andrew LaGrone (Julie), nieces, nephews, as well as her great-nieces and nephews who all hold her memory in our hearts.
Her family would like to thank her cancer doctor, Dr. Tom Weiner, who helped give her many additional years with her family and friends. Special thanks also to her Hospice agency, Compassus, and all of the nurses who helped provide her comfort and support during the final months of her journey.
Viewing will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Msgr. Kevin O’Neill and Deacon Robert Fishman officiating. Committal will follow the Mass at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Please direct memorial gifts to Compassus Hospice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday June 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
6 p.m.
Tuesday June 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenon Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Wednesday June 15, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 15, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday June 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday June 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
6 p.m.
Tuesday June 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenon Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Wednesday June 15, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 15, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday June 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Fran says
Mary Lou was a very dear person. I first met her during the Catholic “renew” program at St. Mary’s. She was always kind and welcoming.
Sending Jesus’ loving comfort to her family-
Fran
Jeanne Bouma says
John, Kathy and George Pat….I can’t believe a beautiful soul like her is gone. I am so glad I got to know her and work with Mary Lou. Life will be a little darker without her in our lives. Please take care and God Bless. Jeanne and Bert
Mary Straugh says
John, Kathy & George Pat,
Love to you all with your loss of Mary Lou, a dear friend. Prayers go out to you all.
Mary Straugh
Marilyn Maphies says
I have so many fond memories of Mary Lou from working with her at USF&G as well as at Payne West. She was such a wonderful friend. John, Kathy and George Pat I am so sorry for your loss of such a loving wife, Mother and friend. May God bless all of you.
Bob and Carrie Biskupiak says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I worked closely with Mary Lou for many years and we enjoyed a great friendship. Mary Lou was loved and respected by all that knew her.
Larry & Mary Miksch says
Dear John,
We were so happy to know Margaret’s dear friends that included you and Mary Lou. She thought the world of you two and we saw why. Mary Lou’s letters to Margaret while she was in the nursing home shared her world and touched us all in a special way. When Margaret died it was so nice to have you both join us for her funeral in July 2016. Then a year later we traveled up to Helena. Thank you for letting us stay with you two. We had such a good time visiting you two and her friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mary Lou touched a lot of lives, and we were blessed for knowing her. Blessings, Larry & Mary Miksch, Columbus, Neb.
Brian Donahue says
Your beautiful obituary says it all. Mary Lou was a special person. She looked after me and many others at USF&G for many years. Can’t imagine our time there without her. I treasure the memories, especially those on St Patrick’s Day! Her favorite holiday. May God Bless John and the family.
Carl & Linda Swanson says
So sorry for your loss. I worked closely with Mary Lou while with USF&G, and were friends with her and John for many years after. I remember well their visit with us while we lived in San Jose. We have many treasured memories. Mary Lou was loved by many. She gave so much to the community making a real difference. With love, prayers, and blessings at this most difficult time. Carl & Linda Swanson
Deb Kralicek says
I met Mary Lou when I was just a kid and then met her again as a young adult . I remember her kindness, energy, generosity and the way she cared for others. Her commitment and hard work on the Thanksgiving baskets at church was amazing. She and John always a team. I remember her telling me, “I may be small but I can move a mountains when needed”. She made sure no one went without.
We are all better for knowing Mary Lou. Our thoughts and prayers are with John, George and Kathy.
Doug and Deb
Denise Baird says
I worked with Mary Lou many years at USF&G. She always had a friendly smile and kind word for everyone. My prayers are with her family. RIP Mary Lou.
Chiko Olson says
John,Georgie and the family,
Our hearts are broken hearing of Mary Lou’s passing. We will keep you all in prayer. We are blessed of knowing you and having many years of conversations and Turtle treats . So much love from our home to yours, Matt and Chiko
Vicki Chapman says
John and family, I am so saddened to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. She was such an awesome person and I have so many fond memories of her during all our years of Insurance Professionals. She was so dedicated in everything she did–her home, family, friendships, and professional life. I will miss her so much. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Wendy Voeller says
John and family, I am so sorry to hear about Mary Lou’s passing. Mary Lou and you John were some of my favorite members at Green Meadow Country Club. What an honor to have known such a nice person!! Take care John and don’t forget to stay out of trouble without MaryLou to keep you in line!! 😀 Hugs!!
Leigh Ann Phillips says
John, George and Kathy. I am so sad to hear about Mary Lou. She was an amazing lady and I feel privileged and blessed to have known her. She was my first friend when I moved to Montana. Along with being a dear friend she gave so much of her time and heart when I needed it most and for this I will always be grateful. She was a giver and touched my life as well as my children’s lives. Especially Patrique. My heart goes out to you all and I will keep you all in my prayers.
Maralyn Lytle says
Prayers and thoughts to your family. Mary Lou’s smile and her selfless giving has always been treasured.
Kay Fischer says
Mary Lou was a sister-in-law provided to me by God. She was such a kind generous compassionate lady who has given me so many wonderful memories. She was such a wonderful cook and has given me many recipes that I treasure and use alot. My favorite one is “Curry Spaghetti”. Her love for John, George, Kathy, Zachary and Andrew was undeniable. There was never a conversation with her that did not include how wonderful and perfect her family was…..what a blessing. Mary Lou’s death will be felt by so many. I miss her already. She will always be in my heart and I look forward to seeing her when my time on earth is over.
Betsy Baumgart says
Dear John and Family:
I am saddened to hear of Mary Lou’s passing but there’s no doubt in my mind that she is in paradise with our Lord. I met Mary Lou years ago when she was active in ABWA and our paths continued to cross from there. Mary Lou was a kind thoughtful “get ‘er done” soul and will be great missed.
May God bless you with wonderful memories of her life here on earth.
Betsy Baumgart