BORN

1939

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

O'Connor Funeral Home & Crematory

2425 8th Ave North

Great Falls, Montana

Shirley Gardipee Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 25, 2010.

Shirley J. (Azure) Gardipee, 71, of Great Falls, died of cancer Saturday at her home.
A vigil service is 7 p.m. Friday at O'Connor Memorial Chapel. Her funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Cremation has taken place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home.
Shirley was born April 14, 1939, in Fort Belknap.
She married Charles S. Gardipee on Feb. 16, 1957.
She is survived by six children, Charles Gardipee, George (Terra) Gardipee, Monte Gardipee, Tammy (Jeff) Jacobson, Dave Gardipee and Margie (Vern) Stevens; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of Great Falls.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charley Gardipee.
In 1977, Shirley earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Great Falls. She also had a teaching degree as well as a nursing degree, and became a home school coordinator working with underprivileged kids. She was a den mother, Girl Scout leader and foster grandparent, and gave home care to the elderly. She also worked as an income tax consultant.
Shirley loved to go camping and fishing with family and friends. She never missed an event her kids were involved in, and she also loved doing Indian beadwork, sewing and studying Native American history.
Condolences may be posted online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Gardipee

What is your first memory of Shirley?

Share a favorite memory you have of Shirley.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Shirley.

Describe a time when Shirley made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Shirley?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Shirley.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Shirley.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Shirley.

What is something you learned from Shirley?

Not sure what to say?

February 27, 2011

Lisa Keene

I'm so sorry for your loss. Shirley always made me feel like one of the family when I saw her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. "May the winds of time blow the tears away." Love, Lisa

June 4, 2010

Nab Walker

To all of the Gardipee kids:

We were so glad that we were able to attend your Mom's services. Thank goodness for the Great Falls Tribune access on line! Carl and I had been very close friends with both your mom and dad since we were married MANY years ago--we enjoyed dinners at the Village Inn Steakhouse, beers EVERYWHERE, fishing and camping, softball games and much more! We have missed them a lot since moving to Denver-our love to everyone!

May 28, 2010

Debbie Cozino

To all the Gardipee family,our deepest symphathy for your loss. Shirely was a beautiful person, inside and out, ive known her almost my whole life.she always had a smile on her face and a hug for me.I know she will be deeply missed,for I miss her already.with all our heartfelt sorrow,Debbie and George Cozino

May 28, 2010

To all of the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Shirley just like my own grandma, she was such a sweet lady and will be missed dearly. My love to you all.
~Kristen Bryant

May 27, 2010

Tim A. Gardipee

TO: All her Children, GrandChildren, and Great..cousins....not to mention many Friends and Family. So, So Sorry, She was a wonderful lady, and Mother. I will always remember her sense of humor. Sorry I could not make the Funeral. Duty Calls.

Cousin Tim

May 27, 2010

Donna Osterman

So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. I have many fond memories of her and I playing red ball and pool league. My sympathy to the family at this difficult time.

May 26, 2010

Linda Heusel Kolwyck

I will miss "Mama G" I think of her often. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

May 26, 2010

Foster Grandparent Program Staff and Grandparents

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a dear mother, grandmother, and friend. Shirley was a great inspiration to the Foster Grandparent Program. She loved those children and did a wonderful job. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

May 26, 2010

Jim & Ginnie

A friend of our family for many many years. Always a smile, we will miss her very much. We couldn't have asked for a better Mother-In-Law for our daughter.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Jim & Ginnie Hennen

May 26, 2010

Lester B

Aunt Shirley was sweet and kind, balanced with strength and determination. I will miss her thoughtfulness and positive attitude. I loved riding around in the Dart. Dear cousins, my prayers are with you.

May 25, 2010

Ace's Tavern

Shirley was part of our Ace's family for many years. Shirley leaves behind many friends and she will be missed greatly. Our deepest sympathies to your family.

Ace, Leann, Kristi Jo and the Ace's Gang

May 25, 2010

Jean Fayden

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

David & Jean Fayden

May 25, 2010

To my cousins my thoughts are with you.

Tiger

May 25, 2010

Don Azure

We are so sorry to hear about Aunt Shirley. You are in our hearts and prayers. With love and sorrow, Don Azure and family.

May 25, 2010

Patricia Campbell

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sorry I didn't get to visit her last time I was in Montana. Miss and love you all.
Patricia Gardipee Campbell

May 25, 2010

Tom Kelley

To the entire Gardipee family. My deepest sympathy for your loss. I've known Shirley practically my entire life, growing up just down the alley from you and she was always one of the neetest adults in the neighborhood. Although I haven't seen her for sometime now, I know I'll miss her. With all my heartfelt sorrow, Tom Kelley

May 25, 2010

Ruth and Jeff Mortag

Monte and family,

We are so sorry to hear about your mom. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,
Ruth & Jeff Mortag and Family

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Shirley Gardipee's name

Memorial Events
for Shirley Gardipee

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

O'Connor Funeral Home & Crematory

2425 8th Ave North, Great Falls, MT 59401

How to support Shirley's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shirley Gardipee's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more