Nancy P. McFarlane, age 61, of Helena, formerly of Missoula and Deer Lodge passed away early Thursday morning, May 30, 2013 in Helena.
Nancy was born June 14, 1951 in Missoula to Nick T. and Dorothy M. (Kerpies) Patch. She attended school in Alberton, Montana and graduated high school there in 1970. She attended college in Bozeman. Nancy married Don McFarlane on December 28, 1971 in Missoula. Don was stationed in San Diego while serving in the United States Navy when he came home to marry Nancy. During Don’s tour of Vietnam, Nancy stayed in Montana with her father. When Don returned home from his overseas tours, they made a home mostly in San Diego, California with a few short stays in San Francisco and Long Beach. Nancy and Don had four children born to their marriage, Stuart, Stephanie, Wayne, and Scott.
In September of 1976 they made their home in Montana, living in Missoula, Great Falls, Deer Lodge, and then Helena in 2005.
Nancy was a loving, devoted and dedicated wife and mother, raising her family and caring for her husband and children. She was an active member in the Immaculate Conception Perish Guild and other parish activities in Deer lodge. This church involvement similarly carried over to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in East Helena.
Nancy loved animals, especially cats, and went out of her way to adopt strays who were lost or in animal shelters. Her loving personality was always far reaching and would capture the hearts of all she met. Nancy made friends wherever she went. She would walk into a room full of children and before she left they all would be seeking more of her time and attention. She left this world way too early and her loss has deeply saddened her husband, family and friends.
Nancy enjoyed cooking and experimental recipes, arts and crafts, and sewing. She made many clothes for her family and others. Whatever it required, Nancy always enjoyed making gifts for her family and friends. Nancy’s caring and compassionate nature made her a joy to be around.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, son—Wayne in 2007, and brother—Danny Patch in 1996. She is survived by her husband—Don, sons—Stuart (Aleisha) McFarlane, Scott (Alecia Huizinga) McFarlane, and daughter—Stephanie McFarlane, and grandchildren—Rylan, Kyler, Brylie, Zachary and Catie; Sisters Judy Shepherd and Marlane (Brad) Gruver. Memorials in Nancy’s name are suggested to your local animal shelter.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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deb stansberry says
Don and family,
I cannot tell you how very sorry I am in the passing of Nancy. I didnt know her well, but she was always so pleasant and always had a smile when I did see her. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Patty & Ray Dietz says
Don and family, We are so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing.
We enjoyed the time we were able to spend with her over the
years. Our prayers are for you and your family at this difficult time.
Cousins, Patty and Ray and family
Aaron & Sarah Reese says
Don and family, please accept our condolences and heartfelt sympathy for your loss…Nancy and I were grade-high school classmates and friends in Alberton. She, as you know, was always vivacious and warm. We last spoke at our last class reunion a few years back. May the angels carry her into the presence of God! May she rest in glorious peace!
Kathy Estes says
Don & family,
My heartfelt condolences..My prayers are with you and yours…Nancy and I were friends as she put it from birth..She is very missed by all…Her wit, her love of friends and family…
May she rest in peace..God held her in his arms and took her home..
Jennifer & Ike Wagner says
Don and Family,
We are so so sorry that Nancy passed and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will very much be missed and has been such a sunny, bright spot in our neighborhood.
Jeanne Faller says
Dear Don and family,
I was recently informed of the sad news that Nancy had past away. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. I lived by Nancy and her family in Alberton, MT for many years. We played many long hours together and also walked to school many times together. She had kept in contact with me at Christmas with her cards. She will be greatly missed by us all. Take care!
John n Linda Day says
Don and family,
please know our thoughts n prayers are with you today. No more pain Nancy peace be with you.
Gail DeBono says
Don and Family,
I know how hard this time is to go through. Try remembering the good times and her kind soul. It won’t make the pain go away but it will make it easier to live through.
Your friends and family are there to aid you in this time of sorrow. Lean on them for strength.
Hugs,
Gail
Mary Hayes says
Don and family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Nancy was a very special childhood and adult friend of mine, we had lots of good times together that will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you and all your family.
God Bless,
Bob and Mary Hayes
Leona Zaharko says
Don and family. I am so sorry for your great loss. I loved chatting with Nancy whenever she was in the store. She always had a smile.
John & Carmen Levick says
Don and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Nancy always greeted us with a smile and a wave and we will miss seeing her out and about in the neighborhood. You are in our thoughts and prayers.