Marjorie A. (Kelly) Keilman, of East Helena, Montana passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 1, 2021 following a brief illness.
Marge was born in Butte Montana on June 19, 1936 to Maurice Laurium Kelly and Ester Fagan. She graduated from Butte Central Catholic in 1954. She was employed at the Butte FBI office and cared for her parents in their last years. After leaving Butte, she transferred to the Seattle FBI office before returning home to Montana. She then worked at the Better Business Bureau in Helena.
She enjoyed trips to Ireland and New Mexico to visit family. She was a special aunt to her nieces and nephews. While in Helena, she met her love, Harold Keilman and they married at the St Helena Cathedral in 1971. They settled in East Helena and were involved in the community, especially at St Cyril and Methodius Catholic parish where Marge played the organ and taught religious education.
During her years raising kids, Marge was a steadying influence for her family through her patience and unconditional love. She treasured family get togethers. She enjoyed cheering her favorite sports teams, reading, sometimes a sewing project and always a good card game. She shared many laughs with her wonderful friends through the years.
After Harold passed in 2012, she courageously carried on and enjoyed life with travel, social groups and many fun summers and holidays with family.
She is survived by her daughter Kelly Keilman and husband Thomas Trunkle of Great Falls, son Nick and wife Patty Keilman of Montana City, and son Daniel and wife Brittnie Keilman of Missoula. She also leaves behind her six beloved grandchildren Meredith, Sydney, Cormick, Abi, Michael and Hallie as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and brother-in-law Jim Quinn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hal, sisters Betty (Tom) Foy and Dorothy Quinn, and brother Jim (Mae) Kelly.
In Lieu of Flowers we invite you to carry on Marge’s generosity by making a memorial donation to:
God’s Love Inc. 533 N Last Chance Gulch Helena MT 59601
Helena Food Share PO Box 943 Helena MT 59624
Marge leaves a legacy of laughter, enduring faith, and love for family. Tap ‘Er Light!
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St Cyril and Methodius Catholic Parish in East Helena on Friday January 8 at 12:00 pm. Graveside services to follow at St Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in East Helena. Rosary will precede mass at 11:35 am.
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Heather Riggins says
I just loved how tickled she’d get over seemingly little things. She had a great sense of humor. She always greeted and welcomed my family warmly as we were living far away from our own extended family. She seemed to genuinely want to know how we were and asked such great questions. I’m just sorry the world is without her, but know she was love to so many.
Shirley Thomas says
So sorry to hear of her death. She was a special lady. I have lots of good memories of playing cards for 40 years, Kiwanis parties that Hal, Marge, Earl and I so enjoyed. I loved how she could laugh at herself and how happy she was when she had her children. She was a friend and I will miss her. So happy her children and grandkids have good memories of their grandmother. Shirley Thomas
Linda Evans says
Margie was everybody’s favorite Aunt- She was so loved by all…I will miss her forever….God bless her.
Twilla and Dan Steber says
Lit a candle in memory of Marjorie Keilman
Trina Filan says
Rest in Love and Light. My love to the Keilmans and all who love Marge. Trina Filan
Joe and Melissa Anderson says
We were saddened to hear of Marj’s passing. Sending condolences to the all of Marjorie’s family and friends. Marjorie was such a steadfast, gentle neighbor and community figure. She always had a smile and welcome for everyone. Prayers for a kind soul.
-Melissa and Joe Anderson
Laurie Kops says
Kelly and family…what a delightful, wise, strong woman your mom has been to so many. I so enjoyed being in her company, and found her sense of humor to be much greater than she let on…so much fun. I hope her kind and compassionate spirit is surrounding you all. Much love to you.
Laurie Kops
Shirley Thomas says
Margie was a friend for so many good years–playing cards, her and Hal at East Helena Kiwanis parties, Merry Mixers, and trips. She was a great gal and lots of fun. I loved that she could laugh at herself. I will miss her. Her family and friends have so many good memories of this special woman. God Bless Her and her family.
Shirley Thomas
Cathy Shenkle says
I met Marge through our Wacky Women monthly lunches (formerly Red Hats). She had a dry sense of humor that I loved! I am so glad I had a telephone visit with her in mid-December. I will sure miss Marge. Prayers to her family and may all your memories be blessed.
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you for sharing! She loved her Wacky Women group!
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you Shirley! Her friends were such a gift!
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you for sharing! I do miss her subtle humor.:heart:
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you for sharing!
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you Trina!
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you for your lovely rememberance!
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you for your thoughts!
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you Linda!
Kelly Keilman says
Thank you Dan!