Mary Claire (Parker) Frazer, 84
Mary Claire (Parker) Frazer, a native of Butte, peacefully passed from this world on May 3, 2006, two days after her 84th birthday. Surrounded by people who loved her, Mary Claire died looking forward to reuniting with her husband, Ken, who preceded her in death by two years.
Mary outlived her parents, John J. and Ann (Noonan) Parker and her brother, Jack Parker.
Mary attended the Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from Girls Central High School in Butte before attending business college. She belonged to the National Secretaries Association and worked in various secretarial and bookkeeping capacities, among which were the P.O. Newstand, KXLF radio and the FBI. During World War II. Mary volunteered as a nurses' aid at the Murray Hospital.
On May 17, 1951, Mary wed Kenneth J. Frazer in Butte, and seven lucky children were born of this union, Ken and Diane of Billings, Bob of Helena, Kate Frazer and Grant Heinicke of Rockaway, N.J., Carol of Helena, Linda Birtles and Mike of Billings, Bill and Vickie of Gilbert, Ariz., and Theresa Dewar and Steve of Billings.
She thoroughly enjoyed her 10 grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her devoted younger sister, Catherine Ann Cecelia Antonietti; in-laws, Betty Parker, Dan Antonietti, Marge and Rick Sherwood; four first cousins, the Rev. Bob and Jack Noonan, Eleanor Hogan and Marion Kello; and numerous other relatives.
All her children were born while Mary lived in Billings or the Flathead Valley. Ken's career took the family to Henderson, Ky., in 1971. Upon retirement, they returned first to Kalispell and finally to Helena.
Throughout her life, Mary always found time to serve generously in church affairs and community service. Though her roles were many, her greatest satisfaction came as wife and mother.
Mary never failed to reach out, offering compassion and friendship, but was ever humble about the many lives she touched. She will be remembered for her strong faith, connection with extended family, love of the outdoors and family camping trips, unwavering sense of humor and delicious pasties. Dad always claimed Betty Crocker called Mary regularly for advice.
Her strong spirit will be toasted in family cocktail hours for years to come.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Helena, co-celebrated by the Rev. Daniel Shea and the Rev. Robert Noonan. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church prior to Mass. Interment will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church Building Fund, 1502 Shirley Road, Helena, MT 59602; Hospice of St. Peter's, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601; or Food Share of Helena, 1616 Lewis St., P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624.
Retz Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.