Vigil and Funeral Services Live Stream Link
On August 20th, 2025, Mary M. Loveless went home to be with Jesus, passing peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by loving family members. She was 82 years old. Even in her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Mary’s faith was evident as she would joyfully proclaim, “THANK YOU, JESUS!”, a reflection of the deep and abiding spirit she carried throughout her life.
Born in Whitefish, Montana, on April 29, 1943, to Theodore and Magdalen Larsen, Mary spent her early years in Olney, Whitefish, and Kalispell, Montana before the family moved to Helena when Mary was starting high school. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961, attended Carroll College for a year, and then completed Cosmetology school in Great Falls, Montana.
It was on the very first day of church before high school started that Mary met Sue (Heaney) Boone, beginning a cherished friendship that spanned 68 years. Sue recalled, “I just knew we’d be best friends for life”- and they were.
Mary began her career as a Cosmetologist in Great Falls before moving back to Helena to work alongside her sister, Carrie, at First Lady Beauty Salon. Mary then worked at Jan’s Beauty Salon. Eventually she would buy the salon which she owned, and lovingly ran, until retirement at age 65.
Mary’s life was full and vibrant. She loved picking huckleberries, fishing (especially on a certain unnamed spot), making memories at the cabin in Olney, playing her guitar around the campfire and at church, tending her huge garden and canning. She was a gifted cook and you never left hungry. She was also a gifted painter, with an artistic soul and a passion for learning. She also believed in facing her fears head on. Her fear of water led her to take swim lessons as an adult, fear of public speaking led her to join, and excel at, Toastmasters, and in 2008 she joined Frederick’s ATA Martial Art Academy where she earned her black belt at age 68. She would later go on to lead/teach the Silver Dragons. She loved spending time with family. Later in life, she was blessed to share twelve wonderful years of marriage to her devoted and beloved husband, Dennis Loveless. Together they shared the love of music-especially playing guitar at church, along with enjoying movies, riding Dennis’s motorcycle, good food and wine, travel and above all, their shared faith.
A devoted member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic church, Mary was active in women’s Bible studies, parish council, music ministry and taught Sunday School. More than that, she lived out her faith in how she loved those around her.
Mary is lovingly survived and remembered by her beloved husband, Dennis Loveless of Helena, Montana. Also, her children Casey (Marni) O’Leary of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Amber (Colin) McDonald of Liberty Lake, Washington and Kim O’Leary of Washougal, Washington and Tracy (Jim) Wheeler of Milwaukee, Oregon and Dominic (Krista) Loveless of US Navy/Helena, Montana and Mary Rose Loveless. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Irene Loveless of Libby, Montana. Mary is also survived by loving brothers and sisters, Ted (Brenda) Larsen of Olney, Montana and Tom Larsen of Olney, Montana and Martha Larsen of Burlington, California and Mildred McDermott of Vallejo, California and Carrie Larsen of Helena, Montana and sister-in-law Jeanie (Jim) Senecal of Avon, Montana. Mary’s legacy continues through her loving grandchildren Duncan McDonald, Mairin McDonald, Colton O’Leary, Adelyn O’Leary, Bre (Kris) Mies, Jeremy Caufield, Holly Hunt, Shawna (Alex A.) Hunt, Danielle (Mikey) Jose, Tanya (Stephen) Gookin, Evelynn Loveless, Eleanor Loveless, Dennis Loveless, Katana Loveless, and Kodi Loveless- as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and dear friends that held a special place in her heart. 💜
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Magdalen Larsen, her first husband and the father of her children, Lee O’Leary, with whom she shared many cherished years. She is also preceded in death by her brother-in-laws, Joe McDermott and Joe Estenson.
Mary’s life was a living testimony of faith, perseverance, joy and unconditional love. Her warmth, humor and fierce devotion to those she loved will be deeply missed but her legacy will live on in every life she touched.
A Vigil service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday September 18, 2025 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church 1502 Shirley Road Helena, Mt. Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday September 19, 2025 at the church. A reception will follow the Mass in the social center of the church.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 18, 2025
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 19, 2025
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Friday September 19, 2025
Social Center of the Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 18, 2025
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 19, 2025
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Friday September 19, 2025
Social Center of the Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
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Kris says
So many wonderful memories with Mary, Lee, Amber, and Casey growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. xoxo
Kris
Jane Piilola says
Mary was such a gracious and wonderful friend. She was willing to try anything and we made so many memories together. She always spoke highly of everyone; never a cross word about anyone. She was loved by everyone that met her. Love to Dennis, Casey, Amber, Carrie and Eli and all of her extended family. I am so grateful for having had Mary in my life and for all the goodness and decency I tried to learn from her. Oh, how she will be forever missed.
Sue Boone says
To My Best Friend for the last 68 years of my life I will miss you more than ever! I will always remember all the memories – so special they were! You will always be with me in my heart .❤️🙏
Colleen McDermott says
Mary was just 20 years old when I was born. I traveled with her to Olney many times and on a wonderful special trip to Yellowstone too! We saw Rocky Mountain Sheep in Glaciar and at sandwiches by the road at Seeley/Swan. She will forever be my Cool Aunt Mary – frozen in time in my mind at age 25! So grateful for her! You all are in my thoughts and prayers – Dennis, Amber, Casey, Carrie, Martha, mom, Tom, Ted and all
the cousins! I will be with you all in Spirit!
Vernette Kountz says
Sending our deepest condolences- Chaz and Vernette Kountz and family.
Martha says
Mary, my sister, was so welcomed by us when she born. My twin and I tried to hold her on both our laps at once and as 4 year-olds did not do well and dropped her. Out mom cried and that ended all attempts to hold her. Mary was born on Daddy’s birthday and was always Daddy’s girl. She gave him good advice at times even though the was very young. She was about 9 or 10 when he died. He played guitar and so did Mary. Mary cared for our mom the last year of Mom’s life. Mary was always the kind and loving daughter even when that was not easy. Mary was the one who organized our family for family reunions . She was a great cook and she and our brother Tom had good meals for us in the family reunions. Her husband Dennis was the best in his love and gentle way with Mary in her last days when she had many needs. Mary was blessed in her life. Her family deeply loved/loves her still.
Mildred ‘Mili’ mcDermott says
Mary, my sister was born on dad‘s birthday. She was the apple of his eye. He thought the sun rose and sat on her and all of his children. I have a lot of good memories of Mary when we were children and later too. As a young child, she had very white blonde hair. Swedish and Norwegian Neighbors called her Cotton Top. We called her Snookie until she went to school and then it was Mary just Mary.
Mary did very well at school. She was smart.. Her typing skills were excellent, and that may have been because she was also a good piano player.
Mary was very loving. When her two stepdaughter came, she cooked a little bit of everything because she wanted them she said to like her. Later they complemented her by saying that she taught them how to be a stepmother, a good stepmother.
In the last couple years of our mother’s life she lived with Mary. Mary was very kind and good to her.
For about 30 years, we would drive from Georgia to Montana to visit everyone. We would often stay with Mary. Looking back on it now our stay was a bit long for her, I’m sure. However, she was always welcoming.
I will miss her. I am grateful that she was my sister. My sympathies go Her husband, Dennis, to her children, Amber and Casey And the rest of our family. All of us are very grateful to Dennis for the love and care he gave Mary especially during her last days.
H