On March 31, 2024 Mary Louise Biskupiak passed away peacefully comforted by family at Hunters Pointe Retirement Home in Helena, Montana. Mary’s death was attributed to a recent fall. Mary had recently celebrated her 89th birthday.
Mary was born in Townsend, Montana on March 18, 1935 to Howard Maxwell White and Edna Mae (Bennett) White and was the third of five siblings. The family moved frequently for Howard’s employment opportunities during the hard times of the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Mary Biskupiak attended schools in Townsend, Montana graduating from Broadwater County High School in1953. Mary worked as a data processor for the Federal Reserve in Helena before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she met and married her lifetime love, Walter Stanley Biskupiak. Walter was a career Army soldier taking the family to many destinations and adventures.
Mary was a proud mother and homemaker caring for Walt and her children. Walter Howard “Butch” was born in Albuquerque in 1956, Robert Stanely “Bob” was born in Townsend in 1958 and Kenneth Alan “Ken” was born in 1961 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Mary’s husband Walt’s last tour of duty was Vietnam and the rest of the family moved to Townsend until Walt’s military retirement in 1971. Mary continued her data processing work at Associated Foods, balancing family and financial needs as her husband began his second career at Carroll College.
When Butch, Bob and Ken grew up and left the house, Mary began her most treasured adventure by working with Catholic Social Services and the State of Montana DPHHS in fostering children, individuals and families. Over the course of 15 years she cared for over 300 children, some for short stints and others for years. One of their first foster children was later adopted by Mary and Walt. Heather Marie Biskupiak was a welcome addition to the family. Mary’s foster care contributions were celebrated by the presentation of the Governor’s First Lady Award in 1983. After her husband Walt’s passing in 2001, Mary’s service to others continued with volunteering at Fort Harrison, the Talking Book Library, the Rocky Mountain Development Council during tax season and the RMDC Senior Companion program for over 18 years.
Mary Louise Biskupiak was preceded in death by her father (Howard), her mother (Edna), her husband Walter, siblings Betty Riley, Lois Prebil and Mac White. She is survived by her children Butch (Mary), Bob (Carrie), Ken (Sandy), daughter Heather and sister Marjorie Blewett. Along with grandchildren Randi (Garth), Darci (Kris), William BJ (Emily) and Angie (Patrick), Bobby (Emma) and Alyssa (Sean), Tabitha (Wes) and Jason. Also surviving are great grandchildren Ainsley, Samantha, Chance, Scarlet, Eliza, Harrison, Logan, Quincy, Annie, Breydon, Emma, Avery, Riley, Natalia and many nieces and nephews.
Mary’s life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at noon, Friday, April 26 at St Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. A Celebration of Life will follow at the East Helena VFW. The family will have a private family internment at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
Noon
Friday April 26, 2024
St Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT
Celebration of Life
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday April 26, 2024
East Helena VFW
117 W Main St
East Helena, MT
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Cindy Baril says
Mary was such a delight to know & work with on the Senior Companion program over the years. She was a kind & generous person with her clients. She always had a twinkle in her eyes & a beautiful smile.
May your loving & fun memories of her help sustain you during this time
With Deep Sympathy,
Cindy
Retired SCP DIrector
Cindy Baril says
Mary was such a joy to work with on the Senior Companion program over the years. May your loving & fun memories help sustain you during this time.
With deep sympathy,
Cindy Baril
Retired SCP Director