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
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
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 ❤️