Shirley M. (Bakko) O’Donnell, 96, died peacefully in the Memory Care at Touchmark of Helena on November 19, 2022.
Shirley was born July 31, 1926 in Walcott, North Dakota. She was the youngest of 4 children born to Cecelia Bertha (Gleim) and Henry Gustav Bakko, all who have preceded her in death.
She moved with her family to Havre at a young age. They later lived in a few other Montana towns including Helena, Shelby, Bozeman, Missoula and Billings while growing up.
Shirley graduated from Missoula County High School in 1944. Following graduation, she moved to Billings where she was employed as a bookkeeper for Farmers Union Central Exchange until she married.
On May 7, 1955, she married James (Jim) V. O’Donnell of Billings at Holy Rosary Church, Billings, MT. Jim has preceded her in death.
Shirley is survived by her 4 children Cathy Cerne (Renton, WA), Jim/Michele O’Donnell (Helena, MT), Larry/Misty O’Donnell (Helena, MT) and Sherry O’Donnell (Helena, MT); her grandchildren Heather/Anthony Macey, Jacob/Shreve Harlow, Cole/Laura O’Donnell, Ryan/Kelsey O’Donnell, Sean O’Donnell, Andy O’Donnell, Courtney Bennett and Blake Bennett; 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Family brought great joy to Shirley throughout her long life, especially gatherings for special occasions that would bring most of them together. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and embroiderer (needlepoint). The quality of her work is matched by none. She enjoyed several hobbies in her retirement years including genealogy, hours at her computer and travel.
Shirley’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Touchmark and especially the wonderful care provided by the Memory Care Team.
Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Helena MT, on December 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the funeral home.
Cremation has taken place with interment at a future date in 2023 at the O’Donnell section of Mountview Cemetery, Billings, MT with her husband James of 58 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to be made in Shirley’s name to the Montana Alzheimer’s Association at 3010 11th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Marie kall says
Sherry, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of both your mom and dad. God’s blessings. Marie Kall
Diane and Budd Williams says
Shirley was such a lovely lady. We always enjoyed seeing her, I had lots of nice visits!
Monica Loar says
Sherry to you and your family
I am really sad to hear that your mom has passed. I know she lead a full and capable life, next to Jim and you kids. Always with a sweet smile and a snack of Pringles 🙂 She was a rockstar and holds a permanent place in my memory bank, may you all find peace knowing how many many others held her with such high regard. She loved her family, her church and her crew in Helena.
She will be missed, and you were a good daughter
I love you and am sending you a tight hug today, tomo and forever. Good Bye Shirley
Monica
Linda Kindrick says
Sherry. This will be a very difficult holiday season for you and your family. Know that she will always be with you. God bless you all.
Sally Russell says
Sherry, so sorry about your Mom. Very sad time off the year so know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, now and
the days ahead. God Bless.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Jim: Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring peace for all of you.
Laurie Gaffney says
I met Shirley on the Memory Unit at Touchmark about a year ago. I do a Dance Movement session with the residents a couple times a week and Shirley was one of my favorite dancers. What a kind, gentle and amazing woman she is! I loved hearing her stories about her family and friends. The week of Halloween I wore a full body frog costume to Dance Movement. I was dancing with Shirley and asked her if she had ever danced with a frog before. She thought for a minute and said “not for a really long time”! I will never forget that day or Shirley! Rest in peace dear Shirley. We will all miss you so much!
Jeanne Fullerton says
Met Shirley many, many years ago. My husband and Shirley’s husband worked together. Remembering her as such a sweet woman. Peace to all her family! God bless!
Rick Bakko says
Thank you so much for doing the live stream. Not being able to attend was hard, so it was a real blessing. To all my cousins, I love you and miss you all. See soon I hope.