Mary Claire Sullivan-Atcheson was born on September 25th, 1935 and passed away, enveloped in love on July 22nd, 2025. She left us as she had lived, with overwhelming grace.
Mary Claire is survived by her four children. Jack Atcheson Jr. and wife Cindy. Keith and Niki Atcheson, Brian and Sheri Atcheson and Kristie and Lee Baerlocher. The absolute light of Mary Claire’s life was undoubtedly her Grandchildren: Andrew, Alissa, Adrianna Atcheson, (partner Mikey Palmer), Diani and Chris Eckerson and Malindi Taylor. Trevor our boy-who we know greeted her with joy, Trinda Atcheson as well as Brook, Braeden, Lauren and Bohden Baerlocher. Great-grandchildren, Jack and Will Pesanti, Kanyon and McKynlee Flynn, Emmey Roo Palmer, Ruan and Arwen Eckerson and Tristen, Darla and Hayden, also experienced Grandma’s smile upon each arrival and surely believed the sun and moon set upon them. Many close friends and family will miss her terribly. Her partner in crime, Mary Kay Kinney will think of her each time she enjoys her Irish Coffee. A special thanks to our dear cousin Janice. A steadfast caregiver and honored friend to the end.
Awaiting her with overwhelming anticipation was her adoring husband Jack Atcheson Sr. Jack and Mary Claire shared a truly exceptional and grand life together. They will now be free to travel the world together, forever. Mary Claire and Jack’s beautiful grandson Trevor Arthur was there alongside Papa, where they will all be together again. Her parents Flurry and Gertrude Sullivan and bother Jim watched her fondly for many years but were ready for her to return to them. The many family members and friends who went before her were so fulfilled that she was able to stay awhile longer and enjoy more time making memories and sharing her tremendous capacity for completely and truly unconditional love.
Mary Claire and Jack built an amazing legacy together that lives on years later. Jack and Mary Claire were a team from the beginning as Jack built his Taxidermy and Hunting Consultant agency from the back of their old station wagon. Drumming up business with little kids in tow. Mary Claire additionally, ran Atcheson Travel for many years which further bolstered Jack’s international success. Through perseverance with their career, Mary Claire and Jack opened doors and experiences for their four children and now grandchildren, to this day. Imagine the pride they both have, knowing a third generation of family will continue this remarkable legacy.
Mary Claire was a voracious reader. This was evidenced by her amazing vocabulary, knowledge of people, places and cultures and open-minded views that endeared her to all who crossed her path. Mary Claire enjoyed decades of friendship and stewardship with her beloved friends in Beta Signa Phi Sorority. Family photos tell the truly remarkable story of her other true love of travel. What a treasured adventure our family had together. What a gift they shared and passed on to their children. We are so grateful Mom.
Our wish is to share the thoughts and memories of others here today, as Mary Claire had an aura about her that made others feel a certain way, this much was abundantly clear.
Empathetic to almost a fault. Endlessly compassionate and kind. Smart, hilarious and as one dear cousin stated, had the magical ability to change the emotions in a room simply by being present. Mary Claire’s family were keenly aware of her impact. Even with short interludes, Mary Claire’s almost magical ability to connect with others and so genuinely, was her true gift! Dear friends and family who shared your thoughts, thank you.
- Your Mother saved me. She loved me fast and hard. I have been able to show up for myself and my daughter because of the pieces your mother gave to me. I discovered I liked myself, because of your mom.
- Mary Claire was another mother to me. Mary Claire never judged and always had an open heart and mind. The world is left a better place because of Mary Claire.
- Mary Claire truly inspired me to become the best version of myself.
- Love you most like butter on toast Grandma!
- Your Mom was a bright light in my darkest days. She was pure, unconditional love,
- The best and most frequent stories I have are about the two Mary’s. Gerome can confirm this, as would all dancing mannequins, but Gerome was the luckiest…
- Mirium Mcfro was the very best person I knew.
- Not many people understand me. But my grandmother understood.
- Grandma was the wisest person I knew. She said often how happiness does not come from possessions or money. It comes from the experiences you have with people you love. Then, Grandma, you were the richest person on earth.
- The leader of the posse, the keeper of my secrets and the greatest love I’ve ever known.
- My Grandmother showed my 2 boys and I eternal and steadfast love that never veered.
- Our Mother gave us the world. She was perfect.
The family will be having a private memorial. In lieu of flowers please pass on your devotions to The Butte Food Bank where it will benefit others in need, as our beautiful mother would have wanted.
A heartfelt thank you to Stillwater Hospice and loving nurse, Shelby. Words of gratitude are simply not enough.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Mary Claire and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Mary Claire.
Denise Horne says
Keith, Jack and Families – May your wonderful Mom’s Memory be Eternal ☦️. She was so great to all of us
Treasure your memories.
Love, Kevin & Denise
Carol Barney, Christen and Deann says
We are so sorry for your family at this time. Your family was blessed by two amazing parents. Your Mom was always happy to say hello or just to share a short visit. She will be missed. God Bless you all.
BETTY J OSTOJ says
My prayers go out to all the Atcheson Family. Mary Claire was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Bob LeFever says
Dear Jack and Keith and family, our deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. she was a first class lady. Whenever she would come into Fran Johnson’s she was always very cordial and easy to talk to . Our most sincere sympathy. Bob and Mary LeFever