Mary Louise Monk Lavin, 100

Mary Lavin passed away in her own home on Jan. 19, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

She was born on Dec. 7, 1916, in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1935.

She went to work as a telephone operator during the Great Depression. Thereafter, she was a receptionist and office manager for Swanberg and Fredrickson, MDs, as well as John Roche, DDS.

Mary married James Mendel Lavin in 1938, and they were married for 73 years. They had two children, Michael, who died in 1999, and Linda, who survives her. Mary and Jim spent over 30 years living in their home on Flathead Lake where they entertained nieces, nephews and friends who stopped by to enjoy the lake. Other than spending time with their family and friends, they loved visiting Glacier Park, spending time at their cabin on Bitterroot Lake and traveling through England. James died in 2011 at age 98.

Mary treasured her childhood days in Pleasant Valley, Montana, riding horseback to the original Pleasant Valley School from which she graduated from eighth grade.

Mary was humble and often said she lived just an ordinary life. Her love of dog-toothed violets, her gentle hugs and her delight in the simple things in life will be missed by her family and friends who loved her deeply.

Besides her daughter, Linda, and her son-in-law Don, Mary is survived by her sister, Jeanne Linrude, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

For the last few years, Mary was lovingly cared for in her own home by grandson, Stephen Lavin, and his wife, Amy, and their children, Michael and Cassidy. Their devotion to making her final years happy and comfortable will never be forgotten by Mary’s family and friends.

A private family graveside service may be held at a later date.

Contributions in Mary’s name may be made to the Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604.