Mary C. Meeks, 80

Mary left this life, family and friends on Oct. 18, 2007. She departed this world from Brendan House where she had received care for the last few days of her life.

She was born in Helena on Oct. 17, 1927, to William and Corinne (Demers) Powers. Her father was a banker and Secretary of State for Montana. Her mother was a telegrapher and later became a supervisor for the State of Montana Liquor Control board.

Mary graduated from Helena High School and the University of Montana Northern in Havre. She also attended Montana State University and the University of Washington. She lived in the Tri-Cities, Wash., for many years, worked, and raised a family.

In 1977, she moved to New Jersey to marry the 'love of her life,' Harold. She worked for many years in Washington and New Jersey as an executive assistant. In New Jersey, she and her husband enjoyed countless years with friends and enjoyed the metropolitan lifestyle living outside of New York City.

However far her travels took her, her love of 'Big Sky Country' always brought her back to Montana and upon retirement, they moved and settled in Kalispell. They enjoyed many years of fun, family and friends.

Mary had a particular passion for all things green and Irish, gardening, Montana, baking and hosting family get-togethers with all the gala of a formal affair, and having her grandchildren around to share these passions.

She also had a love for animals and took in many Dobermans to share their life and home.

Mary leaves behind many who will remember her. She is survived by her husband, Harold T. Meeks; daughters, Georgianna and Jeffrey Morgan and Linda and Cole Soderquist; sons, Pat and Terri Thrapp, Mark and Sue Meeks, Garry Meeks and Dale Meeks; grandchildren, Lisa, JJ, Cori, David, Tami, Dakota, John, Jessica, AJ and Mike; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her sisters, Georgie Ross and Pat Huber also survive her.

Her mother and father; brother, James 'Jim'; and sister, Margaret 'Peggy'; preceded her in death. She will be remembered in the special memories and way of life she passed on to each one of us.

Mass in honor of her life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 26, at St. Matthew's, 602 South Main Street, in Kalispell.

Donations can be made in her name to the Ataxia or Alzheimer's Foundations.