Marjorie Grace Strnod Fogarty, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 15th, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on January 2nd, 1941, in Butte, Montana, to Louis and Josephine “Smarker” Strnod, Marjorie grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the strong community spirit of Butte. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Girls Central High School in 1958.
After high school, Marjorie began a diverse and fulfilling career, working at Prudential Diversified Services, the Montana Power Company (first as a stenographer and later in the purchasing department), J.C. Penney, Lenz Cards & Gifts, and later as a speech coach at Butte High School. In her later years, she became an independent travel planner, channeling her love for exploration into a vocation that brought joy to hundreds. Her most fulfilling job was being a stay at home mom to her three children.
On July 1st, 1961, she married the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Fogarty, at St. Ann’s Church in Butte. Together they raised three children—Margene, Tim, and Dina—in a home defined by warmth, adventure, and deep family bonds.
Marjorie was exceptionally dedicated to her children and community. She served as a Girl Scout leader, president of the Whittier Elementary School PTA—where she led a fundraiser to purchase a new electronic scoreboard—and an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s many activities, from football and basketball to dance, cheer, and band. She also faithfully hosted Gene’s “All Sport Banquet” at East Junior High for many years.
As a volunteer chaperone—and later head coach—for the Butte High School Speech and Debate team, Marjorie inspired countless students. Under her guidance, one of her students earned the honor of competing at the National Forensic League Tournament in Cincinnati.
Marjorie was a gifted cook and baker whose home was always filled with the comforting aroma of something delicious simmering or baking. Her children fondly remember coming home during lunch breaks to warm meals, card games, puzzles, and her famously “hidden” desserts—kept safely out of reach from “Pops,” her husband Gene.
Family adventures were among Marjorie’s greatest joys. Each summer, the family traveled together in a truck and camper, visiting state capitals, baseball games, and beaches. She loved “Crazy Days” in uptown Butte and never missed the calling of a K-Mart blue-light special.
As her children grew and began families of their own, Marjorie continued to explore the world—organizing two to four trips a year for more than a decade. She visited every U.S. state but Alaska and arranged group travel to every continent. More than 600 travelers accompanied her over the years, many of whom became dear friends. Her favorite destinations included Australia, Branson, and wherever the next group of travelers wanted to visit.
Her greatest treasure in life was her grandchildren—Monica, Dylan, Mandy, Haley, Taylor, Tommy, and Abby—who affectionately knew her as “Una.” The name was born from a playful jingle she sang to her first grandchild, Monica: “Chunky Chunky Tuna,” which Monica shortened to “Una.” She proudly attended every event her grandchildren participated in, cheering passionately from the stands or auditorium seats. She also passed down treasured family recipes—crepes, “Tootsa,” povatica, and pasties—making lifelong memories cooking alongside them.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gene, her parents, and her brother Bobby Strnod.
She is survived by her three children:
• Margene (Bill) Fogarty of Butte
• Tim (Debby) Fogarty of Virginia
• Dina (Shane) Mellott of Butte
Her grandchildren: Monica Dionysiou, Dylan Fogarty, Mandy (Daniel) Snapp, Taylor (Brett) Brunsink, Haley Mellott, Tommy Mellott, and Abby Mellott.
Great-grandchild: Sadie O. Snapp.
She is also survived by her dear cousins Lucy and Tommy Dean.
The Funeral will be held on Monday, November 24th, 2025, at St. Ann’s Parish at 11 A.M. with viewing starting at 10 A.M. A luncheon will follow.
Special Thanks
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Enhabit Hospice in Butte, Montana, and to all the warm, caring staff at The Springs in Butte. Your compassion, kindness, and support during Marjorie’s final months will never be forgotten.
In Lieu of Flowers
Please consider donating to Our Lady of the Rockies, an organization close to Marjorie’s heart.
If you’d rather make your donation by mail, please download and print out this form, fill it out, and mail to: 1707 Continental Dr, Suite C, Butte, MT 59701
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Marjorie.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Marjorie and her family.
Michelle Kambich says
My deepest sympathy and heart goes out to all the family. Margie has been a part of my life since I was a young girl. I always loved visiting with her as our lives crossed often, especially out shopping. We had great conversations, especially as she told me updates about her children and grand children.
Bless Margie and all the family. Sending prayers,
Michelle
PS. I wonder if Gene had dinner ready, as she did all those years. They are celebrating being together once again.
Dana & Marty Salusso says
Dina, and family, so sorry to hear about your mom. She certainly was a special lady, and we so enjoyed getting to know her! She I’ll always hold a special place in our memories !
Holly Carpenter says
Our deepest condolences to Dina & all of Margie’s family. She will be greatly missed by my gram, her neighbor, best friend & partner in crime at The Springs. We all will miss visiting with her & sharing a laugh & her dinner (well she always tried to share her dinner) when we visit gram. We are so grateful we got to know Margie & for the special bond she formed with Travee. She was a special lady.
Love you all,
Travis, Holly, Maddee, Rikkee & Travee Carpenter
Theresa Dennehy says
Dina and family, so sorry for your loss. She was a delight to visit with. Bless you all.
Kathy says
The candle may go out, but the memory of its light remains. Our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Peace, Love and Prayers, Kathy and Mick McClafferty
Cheryl Wegley says
Margie’s family,
I so enjoyed taking care of your Mom at the VA home. She was such a nice lady.
Cheryl Wegley
Tina Sternod Locke says
Margene, Tim and Dina,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will miss visiting and talking with your mom when I visit Butte. We would spend time talking and catching up on your families and mine (the STERNOD cousins).
Janice Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to the Fogerty and Mellot families. May she rest in peace.
LeeRoy DeJohn says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Fogarty family. I will miss seeing you at The Belmont. You and Coach Gene will be sadly missed. May you rest in peace. I know Gene will have dinner waiting for you. May your memories be filled with peace, love, and such great people.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND WATCH OVER YOU.
James&Evelyn Graham says
We are sorry for your loss she was a great friend and will be missed
Francene Archibald says
Thinking of you all,
The Archibalds
Glenn Laitinen says
So sorry to hear of Marjorie’s passing. Marge and Gene were good friends of my Mom and Dad, Toy and Millie Laitinen. Mom and Dad went on travel trips with Marge and Gene every year as long as they had their travel service. Rest in peace.
Glenn and Sabrina Laitinen
Melvera Jordan. Cookie says
O will miss you so much my friend
Tom/Judy (Fisher) Rolfe says
I fondly remember Gene and Marg as wonderful neighbors and friends to my parents, Trux and Adeline Fisher, when we lived on Moulton St. My folks traveled with them on a wonderful trip to Branson, MO. My folks adored Dina when she was a toddler cruising the neighborhood. We’re so sorry for your loss, the Fogarty’s were a fine Butte family who will be greatly missed.
Shain and Ellen Strnod says
My Dear Aunt Margie — and Dear Uncle Gene preceding her — were always inviting and welcoming when we visited Butte (the hometown of my parents and grandparents), and I looked forward to our periodic visits and phone calls over the years.
They were the last link (on my dad’s side of family) to a throwback generation and (IMHO) a better, more innocent, time — which I will deeply miss along with missing them.
What a legacy they created and left behind in their wake … and now they are joyfully reunited.
Prayers and Blessings to our many Fogarty cousins and their families.