Margaret Olive Phelan

Marge was born in Butte, Montana on September 24, 1934 to Robert and Gertrude Stevens. After graduating from Butte Public High, Marge met and in 1952 married the man of her dreams, Tom Phelan, of Missoula, Montana. Tom and Marge, in keeping with Irish Catholic tradition, had a large family that included 8 children, 13 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Marge was a deeply religious person and a devout Catholic. She was a mainstay and pillar of the Holy Redeemer Parish and her love of God was shown in everything that she did and how she interacted with her family and friends. Marge was a loving wife who cared for Tom during their 50 years together. Marge was the also a loving and caring mother, giving her all to her children throughout her life. Marge had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh and treasured her personal time with her many friends and her extensive family. She engaged in various forms of arts and crafts and was always giving and sharing her talents and gifts with her friends and family. Marge loved to travel to Nevada with Tom to play slot machines and video poker

Marge’s love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was without limits or conditions. Her heart was big enough to love each of them in their own way and the times spent with her family was always the most important thing in her life. She cherished the family get togethers during the holidays and Christmas Eve at Marge’s house was not to be missed. She provided an unlimited supply of love to all of her family. Marge had an uncanny ability to listen and provide guidance and advice when needed. Marge also had an abundant and endless supply of jelly beans for her grandchildren and great grandchildren when they would visit to say hi to Grandma.

Marge was not flashy, but she was larger than life in so many ways. Everyone that she touched became a better person because of Marge’s care, love and attention. She was selfless and truly enjoyed giving more than receiving. While her presence will be missed by all, her loving and generous spirit will continue to live on through the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Tom, her son John, and her sisters, Ann Jean Kendall and Mary Lou Decker. She is survived by her children, Niki Dolan (Pat), Thomas C. Phelan (Valda Summers), Lawrence E. Phelan (Janis), Julie Phelan (Jamie Legon), Girard Phelan (Vilma), Lisa Schmuckley (Mark), and Molly Phelan. Marge is also survived by her grandchildren, Greg Treinen (Amber), Lawrence Phelan (Megan), Amber Myers (Rodney), Christina Phelan (fiancé John Terry), Thomas B. Phelan, Rebecca Treinen, Kristin Pachl (Josh), Abigail Schmuckley, Mack Schmuckley, Michael Legon, Nicole Newton (Jeff), Lindsey Ledbetter, Christian Thiessen, and step grandchildren, Jennifer Dolan, Brenda Dolan, Lanie Popish, Bridger Popish, and 17 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff at Cherry Blossom Retirement Cottages and Home Care Hospice, for making Marge’s journey to be with Tom, her son John, her sisters, and all her friends who went before her, peaceful and loving. The family requests that any donations be made to Holy Redeemer School Scholarship Fund on behalf of Marge Phelan.