Mary Kathleen Berenice Kajewski Noonan

Mary (Betty) Noonan, 97, was born January 20, 1912, in Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Harry Haronin Kajewski (b. Poland 1877, d. Craik Sask., 1962) and Mary Edith Alicia Kajewski, nee Moore, (b.Walkerton, Ontario, 1882, d. Regina Sask., 1971). Her father and grandfather owned the first power plant in Saskatchewan.Growing up in Regina with her siblings Tom, Norah, Edith and Hilda, she excelled in Canadian sports, becoming captain for her hockey and curling teams.

She received her college education in Saskatchewan and became a teacher until her marriage to Robert ('Tiger Bob") Noonan, May 28, 1938.

During the next 40 years, Mary raised 8 children: Jeff, Kathy, Patty (an autistic child), Tim, Lyle, Eleanor, Jim and Dan. Bob, Patty, Tim, and Lyle preceded her in death.

From 1969 until 1992, Mary became a popular public figure. She was elected for several terms as the Mineral County Treasurer/Assessor and later served several terms as Mineral County Commissioner. During that time, she mentored many young people, encouraging them to serve their county, state, and country in a political capacity. At 80 years old, Mary retired to Missoula and enjoyed the next 10 years in an apartment located at the Clark Fork Riverside Center.

The last seven years of her life were spent with the wonderful staff and residents at Mountain View Village in Superior.

Mary is survived by 5 children: Jeff Noonan (Meryl), Helena; Kathy Davis, Seeley Lake; Eleanor Vinson (Rayme) Juneau, Alaska; Jim Noonan (Candy), Alberton, and Dan Noonan (Nicole), St. Regis; and her sister Hilda of Saskatchewan.

She has 19 grandchildren: Michelle, Suzanne, Phillip, Danielle, Patty, Sean, Amanda, Dan, Rayme, Jennie, Kathleen, Jesse, Jordan, Carrie, Patty, Andrew, Samantha, Kacy, and Grace. Great-grandchildren are Greyson, Kelsie, Madison, Nathan, J.J., Celeste, Alana, Haley, Taylor, Ian, Jack, Logan, and Gavin.

Representing her many friends as honorary pallbearers are Tom Simkins, John Cochran, Mike Moore, Mitch Sansom, Pat Jasper, Louise Cochran, Judy Stang, Toots Bricker, and Ida Alexander. Celebration of her life will begin at 3:00 pm Sunday, April 26, at the St. Regis Community Center. Please plan on joining our family for sandwiches and refreshments following the ceremony.

Cremation And Burial Society of the Rockies is assisting the family with the arrangements.