Mary Walker (Francone), 91, of Helena (formerly of Townsend) passed away peacefully Friday, May 10, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.
Mary was born April 8, 1922 in Butte, Montana, to Paul and Melani (Bugni) Francone. She attended school in Meaderville and married Henry Walker on Feb. 1, 1947. After living in Mobridge SD and Plevna, MT, Henry and Mary moved their family of 5 children to Townsend, Montana where they were active members of the community for over forty years. Mary was a loving homemaker and worked for the Townsend Public Schools for many years. She was an active member and volunteer at Holy Cross Parish and participated in numerous charitable organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, March of Dimes, and the American Legion.
Mary enjoyed spending time with her family and following the many activities and interests of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed cooking traditional Italian foods and favorite Butte recipes for her family and friends. Mary enjoyed playing cards and board games and was an avid sports fan. As a devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Helena and a resident of Big Sky Care Center at the time of her death.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Linda Krahe and her husband Wayne of Bigfork; Karen Barraugh and her husband Bill of Helena; Diana Beaulieu and her husband Bill of Tulsa, OK; and her sons, Kevin Walker and his wife Charlene of Billings, and Bill Walker and his wife Roxi of The Woodlands, TX. She also is survived by fourteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Henry Walker of fifty-three years, her parents, Paul and Melani Francone, three sisters, Minnie, Rose, Adeline, and one brother, Jimmy.
“Mom/Grandma Mary, we love you very much. Your faith, guidance and character will live on in all of us for generations to come. You will be greatly missed.â€
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 11:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena. The Funeral Mass will follow at 12:10. Interment will be Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery. Family requests donations to St. Mary’s Parish or Big Sky Care Center.
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Diana Beaulieu says
Mom, you will be missed forever but live on in all of us. Thank you for making me the person, wife, mother and grandmother that I am today.
Love
Your daughter Dee-Dee
Julie Beaulieu says
I have so many good memories that include grandma like playing yahtzee, cooking with her, and just talking. Grandma was a very special person, and I am going to miss her greatly.
Love,
Julie
Anonymous says
Sweet Tranquility Basket was purchased for the family of Mary Walker.
Chad Fero says
Mary, you will be greatly missed. You’ve left a terrific family legacy. Love, Chad
Laura Walker says
Grandma you will be missed greatly. I love you so much. Thanks for everything you have done for us all. You will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace.
Love,
Laura Walker
linda krahe says
My dear little mother Mary, I will miss you so very much. I love you to the moon and back. Thank you for loving and nurturing me both physically and spiritually to become the woman I am today.
I love you,
Linda
John Fero says
Some people make footprints in the sand as they progress through life. Others make footprints on hearts. Mary was one of those people that made footprints on our hearts. She will always be remembered as great mother, grandmother, and friend to many of us. She was a wonderful human being who touched so many people in a very positive way.
John and Sue Fero
Kelly Blaz says
Grandma,
You told me stories that I treasure and will pass on to my children. What a very special time we had together. You never did forget the number of scoops to make the perfect cup of coffee. I think I had to ask every time I visited! I look forward to the gathering of our family in celebration of your beautiful life. Thank you for our loving family. I know you will always watch over us and be present in our minds and hearts. I am always watching for pink clouds in the sky! I love you
Kelly
Kalli Kind says
Many thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time. I’ve been blessed to know and love your family for the past 20 years and I will continue to cherish the incredible memories you have shared throughout the years…Kalli.
marie Hoke says
Dear family, I always loved your mom ,she was always kind to me.when she came to Texas to visit DeDe….I told my son David to make coffee…..he said to Gabe, my other son ,how do you make coffee….Gabe told him, as a joke, just put the whole can of coffee in with the water……when Aunt Mary started to drink her coffee…wow, my spoon can stand up in this coffee and I think it just took off the enamel on my teeth…everyone laughed..what I think about Aunt Mary, I think of a woman of strong faith and taught her faith to others…I am sure God will say to her…job WELL DONE, my faithful servant..love mike and Marie Hoke…
Charlene Walker says
I love you and miss you already. Thank you for your Christ-like example you had for all of us. See you in Heaven!