Marilyn L. Bracken (92), of Helena, MT passed away peacefully from her time on this earth surrounded by her family at her side, to reunite with her beloved sons, Greggory and Jeffrey, on January 8th, 2024. Those who knew Marilyn well would not be surprised to hear that she would “stick around as long as I [she] wants to” as she prepared for the next step in her journey.
Marilyn Louise Babcock was born on March 31st, 1931 to Mildred Grace Babcock (Grace) and Austin Carter Babcock (Carter), in Townsend, Montana. Marilyn was the oldest of Grace and Carter’s two children along with her younger sister Joyce (Kraut). Marilyn and her family relocated from Townsend to Helena in 1941, but her fondness for Townsend remained strong with frequent visits to her grandparent’s home, “The Ranch”, during summer breaks and holidays. Marilyn’s memory of her childhood and her time spent on the ranch was something she would happily reminisce on for all of her life, with stories of the ranch often being shared with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren alike. Marilyn graduated from Helena High School in 1949 and attended business school in Spokane, WA before returning to Helena in 1950.
On August 12th, 1950 Marilyn married Wilbur Bracken. Marilyn and Wilbur spent the early years of their marriage traveling around the state of Montana pursuing Wilbur’s passion for rodeo. In 1955 Wilbur and Marilyn welcomed their first son, Gregory. The couple would welcome four more sons over the next 12 years. Douglas, Jeffrey, Marc, and Todd. In 1958, with the help of a $1,000 loan from her employer at the time, Marilyn and Wilbur purchased their home on Breckenridge that would go on to house all of the Bracken family, and Marilyn remained for over 64 years as a proud homeowner. The little house on Breckenridge was easy to spot in the spring and summer months with a meticulously manicured lawn and full flower beds. Marilyn’s love of gardening was second only to the love of her children. It was often joked about within the family that a few sons, and perhaps a grandson were fired from lawn mowing duty over the years for missing a few spots. While Marilyn would always dispute that anyone was fired, there was no disputing that she loved working in her yard, and took immense pride in the curb appeal of her home. When not tending to her yard, Marilyn worked as a ceramic artist and instructor at her ceramic shop, the Clay Cottage, ceramics and gifts on the west side of Helena. Many of her creative works from her time as an artist are still holiday decorations in the homes of her children and grandchildren today.
In 1982 Marilyn began working for the Lewis & Clark County elections office. An office that she would remain in for 31 years before retiring in 2013. Marilyn’s presence within the elections office was marked with many years of elaborate decorations for each holiday, bringing joy to those who worked with and around her, as well as the citizens that she served. In her time away from work, Marilyn loved to vacation with her mother and her middle son, Jeff. It was said by the Bracken boys, that Jeff would steal the show at Christmas with the gift of vacations for Marilyn and her mother, Grace.
The spring of 1991 brought yet another change, with the arrival of Marilyn’s first grandson, and the name “Granny” would forever remain attached. Granny would welcome two more grandchildren in the ensuing years, and the grandmother role was something she lived for. As happens with grandmothers, her time with her grandchildren was filled with trips for ice cream, frequent gifts, and very few rules. Upon retirement from the county, Granny was able to enjoy the next generation of children with the arrival of her first great-grandchild in December, 2013.
Three more great-grandchildren would be added in the following years, and everyone simply knew Marilyn as “Granny,” regardless of the generation. Weekly trips to dinner with her great-grandchildren were the highlight of the week for Granny and her great-grandchildren alike. It is said that someone’s legacy is within the people that are left behind. Marilyn’s legacy will remain for many generations to come, as her legacy will be remembered by everyone she touched. For her family, it is hard to go anywhere in Helena and not have someone ask “Are you related to Marilyn Bracken?”. For those that remain after Marilyn has passed on, she will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her perseverance through adversity, and yes, just a bit of stubbornness. Her presence will be dearly missed, and we are forever grateful for the gift of having her in the lives of her colleagues, friends, and most of all, family.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her sons Greggory Phillip Bracken, Jeffrey Allen Bracken, her husband Wilbur Bracken, her mother Grace, and her father Carter, and sister Joyce. Marilyn is survived by her children, Marc (CeCe) Bracken, Doug Bracken (Sharon), Todd (Satomi) Bracken, her grandchildren, Tyler (Becca), Shiina, Nick, and finally her great-grandchildren Carter, Mason, Mya, and Mallory.
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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Love CeCe & Trish says
Marilyn I am truly going to miss you…you welcomed me into your family and not only did you become a mother figure to me, you also became my friend. We have shared many many laughs and many tears together through the years. You helped me through the loss of my two boys and you were with me when I heard the news that I would be a grandmother to twins and shared in my joy. You loved them and all the girls that came along next, never failing to ask about them and telling me to send your love to them until the very end. I will forever treasure those memories. Rest well Granny Bracken
john ilgenfritz says
It was with sadness and surprise that I read early this morning of Marilyn’s passing. I just figured she would somehow always be around for the next election, as we all know, the next election is always the “most” important one.
I met Marilyn when Sue Barlett was Clerk & Recorder when I was an election “temp”. Throughout the years whenever I was in the City/County building we would share a laugh and how our families were doing. I have missed those exchanges since her much deserved retirement.
She was an excellent mentor for many throughout the years she worked there. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to CeCe and other family members.
Love to Marilyn
Matt and Shelly Horne says
Our deepest condolences your family is in our thoughts and prayers