Our dear, great-souled Lillian Michalsky passed away on Sept. 16, 2015, after a courageous struggle with pancreatic cancer. She passed away at home, surrounded by her friends and family.
Born on Dec. 8, 1948, to Joseph Michalsky, a first-generation German, and Philomena Stafford Michalsky, of Belfast, Ireland, Lillian was a unique blend of solid German practicality and Irish whimsy. She was a true Butte Gal: she could love you and tell you off in the same breath; laugh with you one minute and cry the next. Lillian did not curb her heart or hold her tongue; frank, real and direct, she had an innate bull detector. Friends and family always knew where they stood. She consistently and courageously stood her ground for all who needed protection, justice, dignity and support.
Lillian’s big heart loved us all. Even as she fought cancer, she was concerned for the welfare of others. For every kindness paid to her, she wanted to reciprocate two-fold. Lillian deeply loved Alexandra, her children, her granddaughter, her extended family and her friends, whom she considered family as well.
Lillian was best known for her spiritual work and efforts to reach across all cultures. She practiced healing ceremonies in the Chippewa Cree tradition in the lineage of Pat Kennedy, Sr. She was often called on to lead healing ceremonies at retreats for HIV positive women at the Feathered Pipe Ranch, and also in the Pacific Northwest and in conjunction with the UN mission 5WCW. She was chief cook at the annual Fiddle Camp for musicians and their loved ones. Lillian’s special bond with animals made her an indispensable conduit to the animal world. Her heart and energy were invariably directed to service and healing.
A child of the immigrant experience, Lillian valued her multicultural roots, especially her Irish heritage. Her desire to understand and respect world cultures led her to travel to Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and East Asia. In recent years her most treasured travels included trips to Spain, Peru and India. “I’ve got to go to these places,” she would say.
As a true Montanan, Lillian loved and revered the natural world around her. She took every opportunity to fish, to float the Missouri River, to see snow geese and to observe and take part in and appreciate the world around her. Her spirituality soared, but was deeply grounded in the healing beauty of this world — and most especially of Montana. Among her many adventures, Lillian taught on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Reservation early in her professional career, an experience which influenced many of her later life decisions.
Lillian leaves behind the love of her life, Alexandra Swaney; her beloved son Ryan Kitts and fiancee Sarah Eickert of Fort Smith; her beloved daughter, JoJay Broadus, whom was raised by a loving family and Lillian was reunited with 25 years ago, and JoJay’s husband, Jarrod, of Colstrip; her granddaughter, Sheridan Kitts, with whom she felt a special bond; her brother, Joseph Michalsky of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; her much-loved aunt Dolores and uncle Jim Keane of Butte; her uncle Tom Stafford of Belfast, Ireland; uncle Eugene and aunt Marjorie Stafford of England; aunt Madeleine Stafford of England; her many cousins in the U.S, Ireland, England and New Zealand; her former husband, David Kitts of California; and many special friends. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, mothers and fathers-in-law, numerous Michalsky and Stafford aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.
Lillian was grateful to her amazing family, friends in Helena, Butte and Basin, and her hospice nurses who contributed help, support, ceremony and prayers during her last illness and whose sacrifice and around the clock love and care allowed her to stay in her home since her diagnosis. Lillian also appreciated the care provided by Rocky Mountain Hospice, the wonderful doctors at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, and Dr. Mark Ibsen.
A celebration of her life was held with Lillian on Feb. 21, 2015, after her diagnosis. It was an amazing expression of love and gratitude between Lillian and all those who attended or were there in spirit, including and sharing of stories, laughter and tears. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at a later date.
Donations in Lillian’s memory may be made to a college fund for her granddaughter, Sheridan Kitts, at Valley Bank in Helena.
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