In the late evening hours of August 11, 2025, Marilyn Kay (Finberg) Ericson passed away at home surrounded by the comfort of her family. She was born April 24, 1942, in Butte, MT to Harry and Mildred (Hoar) Finberg. She joined a loving Jewish family, who made their home on Florence Ave. Her childhood was filled with special memories of time spent with her older sister Marcia, exploring the many treasures of their beloved hometown. As she grew, little sisters Harriet and Deby rounded out the Finberg sisters, truly making them inseparable for the remainder of their lives. Kay also spoke fondly of time spent at the family furniture store, Finberg Furniture, seeing her Papa – “the sweetest gentleman” or speed skating at various venues around town.
Marilyn attended Emerson through 8th grade, and Butte High School, graduating with the class of 1960. In high school, she was part of the twirling team and made lifelong friends that she cherished and kept in contact with throughout her life. After graduation, she went to work for the Safeway warehouse until starting her family.
She married Gary (Swede) Ericson on June 23, 1963, spending the early years of their marriage snowmobiling with great friends. Her two greatest blessings, Dean (1967) and Todd (1971) rounded out their family and she truly cherished her new role as Mom. The family homes on South Drive and Goodwin Street were well kept, usually becoming the hub for neighborhood friends or endless basketball games. Numerous sporting events, family trips, and many weekends spent at the family cabin kept her busy. As her boys grew, their usual antics and thrill-seeking ways always kept her on her toes. The memories and laughter these moments brought later in life weren’t always so joyous to her in the moment!
After her boys got older, she began working at Butte High School in the attendance office. Employment for the FBI soon followed, where more friends were made, allowing her to build towards retirement and spending time enjoying her growing family. With the marriages of both her boys, she gained two amazing daughters-in-law, but her greatest role of Grama began. Her seven grandchildren became the focus of the later years of her life. Birthday parties, sporting events, dance recitals, graduations, weddings, or any other big moments, she was always there. As traveling became harder, she had her radio tuned into the latest game or was always ready to watch a live stream on her phone.
She was a true Butte Bulldog fan her entire life and was a die-hard Montana Grizzly fan, especially after Todd’s college career. Marilyn enjoyed getting together for lunch with high school classmates, work friends, or an occasional Red Hats gathering. She kept up with old friends and current news on Facebook. Always one for the latest gadget, she bought multiple for everyone and loved finding a good deal on QVC. The last few years have been filled with joyous moments as her grandchildren began having their own children and she gained another role of GG Kay. She relished in these moments – watching them play and interact – and always finding them the latest toys.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Harry & Mildred Finberg; her Boby and Papa (Sam & Mary Finberg) and grandparents William & Emily Hoar; her beautiful sisters, Marcia Tierney and Harriet Anderson; her infant brother, Maurice Finberg; her brothers-in-law, George Tierney and Greg Salo and her nephew Kurtis Salo. Also preceding her in death is her former husband, Gary (Swede) Ericson and her in-laws Lonnie & Sue Ericson.
Her beautiful legacy will live on through her sons and daughters-in-law, Dean & Mary Kaye Ericson and Todd & Angela Ericson; her grandchildren, Josh & Rylie Ericson, Kayla & Zach Bunney, Trisha (Kole) Ericson, and Wynn, Rhen, Hollis, & Crew Ericson; her great-grandchildren, Ella, Ryker, Kroy, Emmi, Zayd, and soon-to-be Baby McGrath. She also leaves behind her baby sister, Deby Salo, who was so instrumental in helping her remain at home in the end; her brother-in-law, Don (Peggy) Anderson; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and lifelong friends, including Becky Allen.
The family would like to thank all of the warm and comforting staff with Honeybee Hospice, who were true angels on Earth. Without her Dean – her rock and helper for so many years – she wouldn’t have been able to live independently for as long as she did.
Mom, Grama, and GG Kay – we will miss you so much, but we are honored to carry your memories with us. Our love for you is endless!
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Marilyn are suggested to the George Tierney Scholarship Fund, c/o Shawna F., Butte High School, 401 S. Wyoming St., Butte, MT 59701, or to the Harriet Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund, 6103 Hobson Ln., Missoula, MT 59803.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Marilyn and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Marilyn.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 8, 2025
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 South Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 8, 2025
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 South Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
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L D Albright says
To the family – I am so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. She will be in my prayers. The Class of 1960’s Thursday Lunch Group sends our prayers to her family.
Linda A.
Asanovich Family says
We have wonderful memories from our childhood with the Ericson family. Kay was always so kind and caring. May she rest in peace. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Your wonderful memories will help ease that awful pain in your hearts. Susan and Dale
Mary Lou Fitzpatrick says
Dean, Todd and Families, I am so sorry for your loss! Kay was a great co-worker & friend at the FBI. It was always fun to go to lunch with after she retired. She dearly loved her family. She always kept us up-to date on her ever-growning family and I just read in the paper about Kayla & Zack’s new bsby. Congratulations!!
Ginger Lively says
I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. Kay was a dear dear friend and truly loved all of you with all her heart . Family was everything to her. Kay was very good friend to me while we worked together at the FBI and after the FBI too. Kay talked about her family a lot at work and all Dean’s and Todd’s sporting events. She loved her sports! I surprised her at a basketball game once that I was there too. I remember once when Todd was getting married. Kay went on and on about Todd’s fiancée wedding dress and how beautiful she was in it and not many had a figure like hers. Kay had MANY family stories. She was so proud of her family. I’ll miss Kay’s daily screen saver changes and responses to my comments about them. Kay became my friend immediately when we worked together at the FBI together. She was such a special friend and I am so happy I got to remain in contact with her. I’d tell her, “Ok Marilyn!” She chuckled. I’ll truly miss my dear friend and will always cherish my memories of Kay “Marilyn”.
Charlene LeProwse Warren says
I sat next to Kay at the Bureau for many years, traveled with her when we went on TDYs together. I feel like those of us in our unit were a family – sharing, caring, encouraging each other when needed and sharing laughs and everyday struggles. Though “Kay Woman” was a bit older than all of us, she was one of us. Rest in peace lil woman…you deserve sunshine and flowers. Fly high. 😉🦋🙏And sons – know you were her world. She was so very proud of you. ❤️
Dana McMahon says
Oh Dear Kay… I cannot tell you how deeply saddened I was to hear of your passing. I was so fortunate to know you and work so closely with you at the FBI. You will always hold a special place in my heart. It was so admiring the deep love that you had for your family and grandchildren. That love will live on through each of them. My deepest condolences to the family.
Terri Winnings says
Dean and Todd, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Winnings’ Mark, Terri and Marcus