Mary Murphy Dean was born in Butte to Jeanne and John (Jack) Murphy on November 27th, 1956. It was there that she would make a life working and raising a family until reaching her eternal home with her Lord on January 29th, 2020. Mary was an identical twin to Maggie and sister to four other Murphy kids that grew up on Locust Street; a home and neighborhood that would be the setting of many anecdotes told over and over throughout the years. Mary met the love of her life, Phil, while working at The Montana Power Company. They wed on May 30th, 1987 at St. Patrick Catholic Church and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Katelyn and Rachel. While mothering two young girls, Mary decided to make the most of her wonderful traits of hard work, empathy, and caring for others a lifelong career. She commuted to Carroll College to study nursing and upon receiving her RN, began a very rewarding career at St. James Healthcare. She cared for hundreds of patients over her 22 years of caregiving and cherished her many friendships made at the hospital and throughout the greater healthcare community of southwest Montana. Outside of work, Mary found happiness in spending time with her family and friends, especially and endlessly finding ways to challenge herself athletically. She was first and foremost an accomplished runner and also loved mountain biking, swimming, skiing and Pilates; anything that drove her competitively. More recently her granddaughter, Payton was the source of so much joy for Mary. Mary is survived by her husband Phil Dean and daughters Rachel Dean and Katelyn (Matt) Pokorny and granddaughter Payton Pokorny, all of Butte; siblings Maggie (John) Smith of Butte; Sheila (John) Symanski of Grand Junction, CO; Mark (Cathy) Murphy of Port Orchard, WA; Kimberly Murphy of Spokane, WA; and Matt (Patty) Murphy of Missoula, MT; brother-in-law Jon (Vicky) Dean of Butte and sisters-in-law Patty and Liz Dean of Helena, MT. Numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews love and survive Mary as well. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Jeanne and John.
Mary’s family would like to extend special thanks to the entire staffs of the St. James Cancer Center, Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care and Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah for the incredible care provided to Mary during her extended illness.
Friends may call at 9:30am on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00am. A celebration of Mary’s life will continue with a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Butte. Interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends may donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butte Silver Bow, The St. James Healthcare Foundation, or the National Brain Tumor Society.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Mary. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Mary and her family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:30 a.m.
Thursday February 6, 2020
St. Patrick Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St,
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday February 6, 2020
St. Patrick Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St,
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of Her Life
Following Mass
Thursday February 6, 2020
Knights of Columbus Hall
224 W Park St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:30 a.m.
Thursday February 6, 2020
St. Patrick Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St,
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday February 6, 2020
St. Patrick Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St,
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of Her Life
Following Mass
Thursday February 6, 2020
Knights of Columbus Hall
224 W Park St
Butte, Montana 59701
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Bridget Sanders says
I’m so sad to hear this tragic news. I went to nursing school with her and loved her fun personality, good character and work ethic. So many great memories with her. We lost touch after nursing school when I moved away but I’m certain she was an amazing nurse. I’m so sad for her twin sister, husband, children and other family/friends that were close to her. ❤️😢 Rest In Peace beautiful friend.
Leslie Stewart says
This special woman is and will always be my best friend. She inspired me, supported me and loved me as i did her. My love and prayers go out to her beautiful daughters, devoted husband, her beautiful twin sister and the rest of her family. I ll love you always and forever Mary Dean💗 Your friend, Leslie Pesanti Stewart
Ed warren says
The first time I met Mary at St. James she showed me how to give my insulin shots. There were many other times when I was in the hospital that she helped me. The last time was 4 years ago when my wife had a procedure done in the hospital Mary was there. What a blessing she was to us.
Donna Monaco-Litule says
Such an unfathomable loss. I worked with Mary at El Taco just out of High School (1978) and she made such a lasting impression with her friendship, her loving nature and her fun-loving spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary’s family, her friends and everyone who was ever affected by her passion and generous spirit. She has been a light in the world and I’ll light a candle as she carries her light into the heavens.
Katie Haxby says
I loved working with Mary at St James. She brought so many skills to the table. Her kindness and humble ways had everyone that knew her absolutely love her. Her laid back attitude made you feel welcomed and her spunky personality was contagious to all around her. No words can express the loss we have felt this week after learning she has passed. Mary you will be missed and we will miss you❤️ My prayers to her family. She was so excited to be a grandmother and I bet rocked it as much as she did at everything she put her heart and soul to.
Brigit H. says
My heart hurt to read this today and I extend my deepest sympathy to Mary’s family. I spent time in nursing school with Mary and she was such a lovely, positive person to be around and no doubt, was a great nurse.
Julie Cassidy (and David) says
Maggie, I am so very sorry for you and your family. I can’t imagine the pain of losing your sister and especially your twin. I am praying you find some peace and comfort wherever that may be. I will be praying for you and Mary’s family and I’m so thankful that after too many years we were all able to reconnect at El Taco on 7/6/2016. I will always hold great memories of your sister there.
Cyber hugs sweetie.
Marcia says
I had the pleasure of working with this amazing nurse..She also cared for some of my family members and had so much compassion. She definitely was a role model. She will always be remembered ❤️
Karla Canavan says
My favorite memory of Mary was riding the TOSRV bike tour with her and Maggie. Mary was battling a head cold the day of the ride and also rode from Missoula to Big Fork with one contact lens. She had lost the other one that morning. Just another testament to her toughness. When we arrived in Big Fork she opted out of dinner to rest instead. She made a point to tell Maggie and I that she placed her one contact lens in a small glass of water by the bed, as she had forgotten her case. She asked that we be careful not to drink that water…you can probably guess where this is going! When Maggie and I returned from dinner, Maggie decided to take a couple ibuprofen and without thinking, washed them down with the water in the glass holding Marys contact lens. She immediately realized what she had done and the shocked look on her face was priceless! We were stifling our laughter to avoid waking Mary and Maggie was sure she would be furious in the morning. Amazingly, Mary took the whole incident in stride and rode another hundred miles the next day squinting all the way!
You were a class act, Mary Dean and I will miss you.
Susan NATIELLO says
Phil and family, so very sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to all her family and friends. RIP Mary, heaven awaits.
Terry Dunfee says
My heart goes out to the family of Mary. I lost my wife to cancer 7 months ago and both she and Mary were beautiful, loving people with so much to give. My thoughts and condolences to Phil and family. Take care my friend and give everyone in your family a big hug.
Terry Dunfee
Donna & Andy O’Neill says
Our condolences to the Dean and Murphy families. Mary was always a competitor and I loved watching her run with the determination in her eyes. I was never able to catch her, or even come close! Our lives crossed paths many times through Phil and Jon at the Power Company, then Liz during our commutes to Butte from Helena, Maggie while golfing. A remarkable person with a wonderful family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Mattioli says
Mary “Murphy” Dean,
You were (A RAY OF SUNSHINE IN MY LIFE)…
We worked together at El Taco and you always exuded such spirit, light and energy…….
To your LOVED ONES……. Celebrate Marys’ life knowing that……… LOVE KNOWS NO SEPARATION……
May God reach out and hold Mary so that she may find PEACE and CALM …. as you continue your life hereafter….
With Much Love…
Dan and Susan Mathers says
We grieve with you at the loss of Mary. You and your family are in our prayers. Psalm 23.
Mark Kasperick says
Phil, Karen and I will keep you and your family – as well as the Murphy family – in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry Guay says
Phil – So sorry for your loss. You and the girls have been in my thoughts since I learned of it.
Clint Earhart says
Phil, Rachel, and Katelyn.
I am tremendously saddened by the passing of such a brilliant, kind, and loving women; your mother and wife. Growing up, and hanging out with the family was always so fun, I felt welcomed, and loved. She was so bright and created two beautiful daughters who she shall live through. Phil you were exceptional in handling such a dire situation anytime we would meet, Mary could not have asked for a better partner in crime. My thoughts, my love and prayers are with you at this time. I hope during the time of reflection, the profound and beautiful life of Mary live on forever.
Jack Haffey says
Phil and all of Mary’s Family – I send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to you. Mary was indeed the special person as expressed so wonderfully in these messages of sadness and condolence. My thoughts and memories are of her pleasant nature at work, her kindness and her competitiveness as a superb runner.
Susan and I send our prayers to you, Phil, and all of your family.
John and Cindy Sorich says
Phil and Family,
You are in our prayers at this very tough time it is not an easy path for you and Family right now but I pray you can find peace knowing Mary is home with Jesus and one day you will be reunited