1939
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.
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
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