Beloved Butte philanthropist, Mrs. Frank Edward Mollish passed away on December 21,2025, comfortably in her home.
Mary was born December 16,1927 in Hannibal, Missouri to Judge Charles Normile and Alice (Marchand) Normile. Her early years were spent in Edina, Missouri, then attended Quincy University in Illinois. She ultimately completed a degree in Journalism via correspondence school.
She married Frank on February 3,1947 to begin a union of 63 years. They were transferred by the U.S. Army and she resided in several cities in Germany during the 4 years Frank fought in the Korean War.
Mary had contributed articles to The Chicago Tribune prior to leaving the United States. She became a travel reporter for the International Army Times. Some of her articles were also shared with the Tribune over the years. She wrote informative reports for military families with regard to travel to other cities in Europe. The pointers included good places to stay and restaurants which gave military discounts to American service members. Her journalistic and communication skills played well for her entire life.
Daughter Anne was born in Germany to their great joy. Ultimately, a transfer to Butte, Montana was received. They loved Butte from the first, the people, its uniqueness, its history. Mary became very active in the community. There was a sad pause in their life at the loss of their son, John, born in Butte who died at age 11. Then, in 1972 they established the John Mollish Memorial Ski race. It was an annual event for 35 years. It benefited children from age 4 to 18.
With the help of U.S. Senator Mike Mansfield, the U.S. Forest Service and many others she was able to create Sheepshead Camp, 300 acres for the sick, blind and handicapped. Sheepshead took about 10 years to finish. She was instrumental in the inception of the Paul Clark Home and the critical fund raising. She was on the board of the Salvation Army for 20 years, serving as a bell ringer as well. As an accomplished fundraiser, she organized numerous concerts to benefit The American Cancer Society, Hospice and Our Lady of the Rockies. She was awarded Woman of Distinction Award, Good Citizenship Award and The McGrath Award recognizing leaders in the community.
Her greatest and most important work was to help the visually impaired. She created the Butte-Silver Bow Chapter of the Montana Association of the Blind. She headed the annual calendar sales for fundraising for 35 years. She worked in conjunction with the Lions club to create a scholarship.
Mary is survived by daughter Anne, (Keith), her brother Judge Bruce Normile of Edina, Missouri and her baby brother whom she named; Michael Normile of Houston, Texas.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Frank, son John, Dorothea and Hal McGinnis and John and Marge Normile.
Mary’s family wishes to thank Stillwater Hospice of Kalispell for their wonderful and compassionate care.
Friends are asked to call at Immaculate Conception Church, 1201 Caledonia St, Butte, on Mon. Dec. 29, 2025, beginning at 5:30 pm, then join with family for Parish Vigil Services at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church at 11 am on Tues., Dec. 30, 2025. After interment in Holy Cross Cemetery a reception will be held. Location to be announced.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Frank and Mary Mollish Endowed Sciences Fund for the benefit of biological, geological and engineering field trips for Montana Tech Students.
Please visit below to share a condolence or leave a memory of Mary.
Axelson Funeral Home is privileged to care for Mary and her family.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 PM to 6:00 P.M.
Monday December 29, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
1201 Caledonia St
Butte, MT 59701
Vigil
6:00 PM
Monday December 29, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
1201 Caledonia St
Butte, MT 59701
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
1201 Caledonia St
Butte, MT 59701
Interment
Following Mass
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Immediately Following Interment
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Finlen Hotel - Treasure State Ballroom
100 East Broadway St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 PM to 6:00 P.M.
Monday December 29, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
1201 Caledonia St
Butte, MT 59701
Vigil
6:00 PM
Monday December 29, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
1201 Caledonia St
Butte, MT 59701
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
1201 Caledonia St
Butte, MT 59701
Interment
Following Mass
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Immediately Following Interment
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Finlen Hotel - Treasure State Ballroom
100 East Broadway St.
Butte, MT 59701
Share
JoAnn Muniz Rodda says
I remember Mr. & Mrs. Mollish. What lovely people. Going up to their house on Granite Street was uphill but worth it. They always made me feel like family. It was because of Mrs.Mollish that I found my gift of decorating. She helped me get my first job at Hennessey’s. I think of her and Mr. Mollish and Anne often. Always with a smiling heart.
Deirdre Caughlan says
What a gift it was to have known both Mary and Frank. I met her after an article was published about my upcoming adoption from China. She took me and my daughter under her wing and became my children’s beloved “Lala.” Words cannot express how much she meant to us. To call her a philanthropist is an understatement. She embodied all that is good about Butte.
Joe Dziak says
What a lovely, smart, energetic woman. Rest in peace dear lady.
Karen Stout says
Mary, Frank and Anne were our “across the street” neighbors on west Granite St for as long as I can remember. Mary was a true gem – always being there, always helping people and just being a great friend. I feel blessed to have known her for most of my life. She will be missed. Anne, our hearts are with you and Keith.
Richard Epps says
Mary was special to me for my whole life. My parents met the Mollishes in Germany in 1957. They returned to the USA and we to the UK. Despite being 5,000 miles away, Mary has been a huge influence on me over the years.
Few people have been as caring and loving to needy or vulnerable people as Mary. I have so many great memories of time spent with her in London, Butte and Phoenix.
She will be fondly remembered on both sides of the Atlantic.
Donna Sullivan Maesar says
I remember going to the Mollish house on West Granite St – it was always so welcoming 😊 I have wonderful memories of both your parents Anne! My sympathy to you 🙏 it is always hard to say that last goodbye but memories last forever ❤️
Nicholas Gremley says
Mrs. Mary Molish, the queen of Butte, America. My grandparents lived across the street from the Molish’s and I frequently found myself visiting Mary, Frank and Anne. She always greeted me with a big smile, a big hug and treated me like family anytime I stopped in. Her energy lit up any room she stepped into. May she rest in paradise and her kindness and joy that she brought to the world will be missed, but not forgotten.
Henry none Gonshak says
Mary Molish was a good friend of mine and my family. She was the kindest, most giving person I’ve ever met. As the obituary documents, the extent of her philanthropy was extraordinary, especially her work on behalf of the blind. Mary audited several of my literature classes at Montana Tech, making a wonderful contribution to our discussions. She took care of our older daughter when our younger one was born. Her husband, Frank, was among the American troops who liberated Dachau. I will always remember her with great fondness.
Tayler Rydalch says
I was in high school when I met Mary Mollish, lovingly known as “Mama.” Mary and her husband, Frank, were very often and affectionately referred to as Mama and Papa. Mama was in her early 80s when I met her, but the only thing old about her was her age. She was active in the community, went swimming several times a week, and loved entertaining guests. Although she had already been diagnosed with dementia, her mind was remarkably sharp, something that was always most apparent in her witty and hilarious remarks. I don’t know if anyone will ever be able to match Mama’s kindness. I remembering going with her to help sell calendars for the blind. She loved volunteering to help anyone in need and she made everyone she met feel important, interesting, and valued. To say she will be deeply missed feels like an understatement.
Janice Thomas says
Mary was a beautiful person inside and out! She had a lovely demeanor and a very distinctive and melodious voice. She would listen to us as little kids, and respond with a simple “Oh uh huh” with an uplift at the end that made me think I should say more. Or she would simply say, “sure”. All this was very reassuring to a 5 year old. The Mollish house had a huge collection of amazing clocks, and if you were lucky enough to be there on the hour, you were treated to the most wonderful sounds of a cuckoo and multiple chimes of different kinds, all with the gorgeous tone of the grandfather clock underlying the rest. Everything about Mary and the Mollish house is unforgettable and of course I’m grateful for such fun and unique memories.
Muriah Alexander says
I was privileged to know Mrs Molish, aka Mama Mary. A gentle and sweet soul, she was a joy to be around. Always a smile, always kind, her eye radiating intelligence and love as we spoke about past memories and her beautiful daughter Anne. Mary often spoke in German to me as we shared a meal together. Our mutual love of good food and cooking would lite us both into a lively conversation as we discussed spices and ingredients used in the food we were eating. Thank you Mama Mary for the honor of being part of your incredible life. Heaven is brighter now, your soul free, and reunited with your loved ones. Until we meet again, fly with those beautiful wings you have undoubtedly earned. Loving you always
Millie Rigby says
What a sweet lady with a smile at all times. She was a not when I waited on her. I’m sure Jesus was waiting for her with open arms.
Terri Russell says
From the moment I meant Mary there was one word that came to my mind — Delightful ! This world was blessed to have had her as she served others with great compassion. I am certain the Lord greeted Mary with open arms and said, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.
Eveline Pratt says
I helped take care of Mary for almost a year and in that time she was an example to me being so mannerlyEveline. I have never met a person who was so gracious and kind and caring as her. Even at her age she was always saying thank you all the time. What a smile the biggest and brightest one around. We had good times laughing together.
Scott G Edwards says
Mary & Frank were like my second mom & dad … I helped with many projects at West Granite St , they both had heart of gold caring for others & the community. We all had great stories… many Fourth of July parties. I will miss the many times Mary & I had in her kitchen eating & drinking wine reminiscing about her life with Frank in many world cities. Mary loved Frank , & her daughter Ann … very much ! I will miss Mary she was one of a kind of friend you meet once in a lifetime. Sending many Hugs , thoughts & prayers to all ….
Larry & Patty (Mollish) Farley says
Many wonderful memories I have of my visits to Butte with Uncle Frank ,Aunt Mary & Anne. Aunt Mary was so gracious and wanted me to learn all about Montana. She introduced me to Butt’s famous Pork Chop Sandwich & “Pasties.” She was instrumental in creating so many projects throughout Montana and her community. What an inspiration she was! Aunt Mary was a kind hearted & generous lady. Our family has lost someone who was special to all of us. Sending much love and condolences to Anne & Keith. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord.
Mark Loposky says
Mary was such a bright light in this world. I had the honor of doing her hair for while. We would joke about my Mohawk and at one point I styled her hair like mine. She always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She will be deeply missed. Rest in peace my friend.❤️❤️❤️
Christopher Normile, MD says
I write for my father, and Mary’s brother, Judge Bruce Normile of Edina Missouri. Aunt Mary., besides being highly intelligent was a born leader and a caring servant of God. It was not surprising that she was involved in philanthropy. She was always supportive of her extended family as well. Truly a remarkable and generous woman.
Mike Normile says
Mary is my oldest sister. On the day I was born Mary was 9 years old and she went to the local Edina MO newspaper to announce the birth of her new baby brother Michael Joseph. My name is Francis Richard but Mary wanted me to be named Michael and she thought if it was printed in the newspaper it would be true. My legal name is Francis but other than my mother everyone calls me Mike to this day. I loved Mary with all my heart and I know that she will always be watching over me.
Amy Normile says
Aunt Mary was the kindest most loving woman I have ever known. She went out of her way to make me feel special and loved. I will always be grateful for the time and attention she gave me as a child. My father Mike and I were able to go to Montana in the summer of 2024 to visit Aunt Mary , my cousin Anne and her husband Keith. Both my Dad and I were so grateful to be able to see her again. She will be missed.
M kerns says
What a wonderful, elegant lady Mary was. We treasure the memories of her and my folks. Condolences to you Anne
Mike and Mary Ann kerns
Rocky Mungia says
You will be missed my love. Rest peacefully 😢 🙏🏼
Pat Prendergast says
Anne so sorry for your loss I have very fond memories of your mom, dad you and your brother. Great growing up together on Granite street. I planed on attending the funeral but was busy with grandkids. Hope you are well.
Ann Gilmore says
Mary came to call on me the week Frank and I moved on campus almost 28 years ago. Mary brought me some food, a “Butte ivy” plant and a warm welcome to our neighborhood, to Montana Tech, to Butte and the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Mary was a perfect hostess, many dinners with her and our two Franks at their home often with other friends and Anne. I was always amazed at all the ways Mary supported Butte, Tech, especially the Tech students, the blind and so many other causes. Our visits were always great. The last visits were when Mary was living in Phoenix where we went annually. We would get together for lunch and catch up. Mary enriched my life; I will miss her. My deepest sympathy Anne and Keith. Anne you were such a caring special daughter.
Mary Margaret (Mollish) and Jim Redman says
Aunt Mary was such a kind and good person, as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Anyone who knew her was truly blessed to have met her. She has now joined Uncle Frank and John in their eternal home. Rest in peace sweet lady