Marilynn Dwyer Mason, age 78, of Butte

In the early hours of January 26, 2022 Marilynn breathed her last breath here on earth. After battling cancer, she passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Butte in the comfort and care of her family.

Marilynn was born in Butte on June 17, 1943, she was the third of four children to Richard “Dick” Dwyer and Anna Georgina “Dollie” MacPherson Dwyer.

She attended Saint Ann’s Grade School and Girl’s Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1961. Marilynn studied at Montana State University and University of Montana Western. She married Doug Mason in 1963 and had two sons Douglas Lee Mason and Timothy Michael Mason.

Marilynn knew at two-years old that she was an artist. It was her God-given gift and she had immense talent.  As a young girl, with her parents’ encouragement, her ability became evident. She spent all her time drawing and sketching. In high school she emerged as a portrait artist.

Marilynn’s natural skill grew to include wonderful works in watercolor, pen and ink, pastel, acrylic and oil. She painted what was close to her heart – Butte scenes, Montana wildlife and people. Marilynn loved and had deep respect for Native Americans and their culture, she created countless beautiful fine art portraits of Indians, young and old.

She spent a portion of her career illustrating furniture, painting murals, teaching art and mastering western landscapes. Later on she began painting realistic bears in nostalgic and whimsical settings. Marilynn’s vision of bears enjoying all aspects of the outdoors became wildly popular.  Through a business partnership she formed Mason Maloof Designs. Her company is now Dwyer Mason Art.

For nearly six decades Marilynn shared her energy and passion for painting with the world. She will always be known as a successful professional artist. Her legacy included a vast body of work which is enjoyed in homes and displayed in galleries across the country.

Marilynn’s talent extended beyond her painting, she loved antiques and had a keen eye for interior design.  She was always on the hunt for something to paint or something to decorate her home or studio. She had an incredible singing voice. One of her favorite memories was being asked to sing a solo of Stille Nacht in German at midnight mass. She loved being a member of The Coquettes at Girl’s Central. She was an voracious reader and kept a library of books. Marilynn loved the innocence of children and cherished all the little ones in the family. She also adored and rescued many many pets during her life. She leaves behind her beloved Casper who will be well looked after.

Marilynn lived in Dillon, Polson, Missoula and Seattle, but she always came back home to Butte. She was deeply spiritual and loved God beyond measure. Marilynn lived life to the fullest with passion and enthusiasm. She will be remembered as a wonderful, generous woman who brought beauty and laughter to all who knew her.  She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Marilynn was preceded in death by her parents Dick and Dollie Dwyer and her dear younger sister Kathleen Marie Dwyer.  Marilynn is survived by her sons Doug and Tim, granddaughters Ivy and Elise. Sister Judy Farren, brother Richard Dwyer. Nieces and nephews and their spouses: Lyn and Jeff Bonamie, Mike and Jennifer Farren, Pam and Bob Venne, Kevin Farren, Wende Dwyer and Andrew Johnsen and Theresa Dwyer. And, 14 grand-nieces and -nephews, and many cousins and close friends.

A memorial celebration of Marilynn’s life will take place in Butte next summer. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the World Museum of Mining or your local animal shelter or food bank in Marilynn’s name.

Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Marilynn.

Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Marilynn and her family.

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