Marian F. Abbott

Marian F. Abbott, 101, died Sunday, August 29, 2004 at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork, Montana. She was born February 12, 1903 in Butte, Mont. to Henry A. and Jenny W. (Ayers) Fitzpatrick.

Marian graduated from Butte High School and the University of Montana, obtaining a degree in Physical Education. While at the university, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Mortar Board and was May Queen in 1925. After graduation she became Women's and Children's Director at the Butte YWCA.

Marian married Robert C. Abbott of Anaconda on August 20, 1930. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Robert and James, and wife to her loving husband.

Marian was an active member of P.O.E., serving as State President and holding numerous local chapter offices. She was also a long time member of Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell. She was also very active in the political arena, serving as Vice Chairwoman of both the Montana Republican Committee for Western Montana and the Flathead Republican Central Committee. Marian was also a Montana voting delegate to the 1956 San Francisco Republican National Convention that nominated Dwight D. Eisenhower for his second term as President.

After the death of her husband in 1953, Marian became the Women's Editor at the Daily Interlake in Kalispell. In 1968 she was named the Best Woman's Editor of the Hagadone Newspaper Chain. She retired in 1970.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, one son: James; a sister: Laura C. Nelson and a brother: George A. Fitzpatrick. She is survived by her son, Robert B. Abbott and wife Nonie of Helena; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial gifts be given in Marian's name to the local Special Olympics Organization or to the charity of the donors choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.