Mary Ann Philipps

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.On February 18th, Mary Ann Philipps, our beloved mother, grandmother and the matriarch of our family, was welcomed into her eternal place in heaven after a short battle with brain cancer. Her life is a testament to the faith, good works and family values passed on by her parents. Her devotion to the word of God and the Blessed Mother were evident in her daily prayers and in her relationships with family, friends, neighbors and her 50+ years of service to the Holy Spirit parish community. Mary was born in Billings, Montana on July 28, 1930 to Michael and Lucia DeCarlo. The oldest of six children, she grew up in Laurel, Montana, and graduated from Laurel High School. She married Eugene Philipps of Conrad in 1953, ultimately settling in Great Falls, to raise five children. They later divorced. Mary worked at Malmstrom Federal Credit Union (now First Liberty) for 25 years, retiring in 1995. Her love and devotion to family was a hallmark of her life. She was closely connected to her own brothers and sisters, and few opportunities were missed to involve her children in the celebration of life events with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. As her children had families of their own, Mary helped with child-rearing, nurturing, cooking, baking, and story-telling, all delivered with laughter and love. Her special relationships with her grandchildren were precious to her. She loved her circle of friends with whom she shared her life. She enjoyed organizing potlucks, card parties and hosting other social gatherings. She was a member of the Swinging Seniors vocal group. Mary is survived by her children and their spouses, Michael, Jeffry (Kathie), Christine (Dale) Garnett, Stephen (Windsor), and Mary Kay (Tom) Alexander; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A vigil service is scheduled for Friday, March 23, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. and a funeral liturgy on March 24,at 11:00 a.m. both at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Peace Hospice or Holy Spirit Catholic Church.