Mary Isabelle Collier
Mary Collier Obituary
Mary Isabelle Collier (Watson) passed on May 17, 2021 at the age of 85. She leaves a hole the size of Montana in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her, but more importantly, were loved by her. Mary is at peace and John, who preceded her in death 13 years ago, is welcoming his precious Pudge at last.
Mary was born the youngest of three on April 8, 1936 in Cut Bank Montana to proud Scots Isabelle (Russell) Watson and Robert Watson. She was raised on Seville Flats outside of Cut Bank until she married John Collier and eventually moved to Great Falls where they raised four children, John, Beth, Jim and Chris. She and John wrangled their boisterous family in a house full of love and laughter. John and Mary also worked together in the photo industry. She often said they probably witnessed 1000 weddings as they teamed up to record those important events. They loved the life they had, surviving the hard times and celebrating the good times. She and John were completely devoted to each other for almost 55 year, until John died in 2008. Her quiet life after losing John was filled with her family, her fur babies, her garden and her love of reading.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Watson, her sister Anne (Watson) Woods, her son John B. Collier and her best friend and husband, John U. Collier.
Survivors include her son, James (April) Collier, Edmonds, WA.; daughters, Beth (Robert) Sobolik, Great Falls, Christina Collier-Heck, Florence MT; her nephew, Richard Watson (Billie Hyde) and her grandchildren, Katie Sobolik and Tynan Heck. She is also survived by her dear and loving friend, Gayla Bastas.
Mom spent her last year in the tender care of Renaissance Senor Care, for whose devotion to their residents we will always be grateful. If we could describe Mom in six words, it would be: She loved, she loved, she loved. A Memorial Service and reception will be held at Croxford Funeral Home on May 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM, Interment of her cremains at Highland Cemetery will follow the reception.
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