Marie Townsend

Our loving mother, Marie E. Ryan Townsend, passed away suddenly on May 19, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona. Marie was born in Dublin, Ireland, April 1, 1935, the youngest of ten children. She spent her childhood in Ireland.

Marie met Carl "Pat" Townsend in 1954, in Ireland, while he was in the Army, and corresponded with him by mail, eventually coming to the United States, where Pat had returned after his discharge from the army. They were married in Billings, Montana, April 2, 1956. The next several years were spent first in Billings, where Pat was going to college and later in Washington state where he got his doctorate. Marie worked at hospitals in Billings and Washington while Pat attended school.

They returned to Pat's roots on the ranch in the Ridgway community of Carter County in summers to do the work on the ranch. Marie worked by her husband's side as they hayed and fenced and did whatever needed to be done before returning to school in the fall. Marie loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She would sing Irish songs as they fenced. One of their favorites was "Danny Boy". Marie kept in touch with her Irish family and many would visit her in Montana over the years. She returned to Ireland many times to visit them.

Marie was with Pat in each step of life as he taught in Washington State University and Southern Illinois University, still returning to the ranch in summers. During Pat's teaching career they lived in several countries where he was teaching, including East Pakistan, Burma and Taiwan. Marie and Pat also spent time in Iran, Afghanistan, Katmandu, Nepal and Ireland where Pat lectured. Pat and Marie had someone who cared for their livestock when they were away, and always returned to the ranch. Marie had a lot of interesting memories to share.

After Pat's death in a pickup accident in 1979, Marie still had a heart for ranch life and a family that she and Pat had only talked about. In 1986, Marie became a loving mother to Jose and Helton. She enjoyed time at the ranch with the boys and later in Ekalaka, where they attended school. Marie loved time with her boys and after they graduated, they all resided in Billings for a time. Later, when Jose moved to Tucson, she followed and made her home there. Marie enjoyed a group of Irish friends in Tucson. Being the youngest of so many children, she had been surrounded by family so her family was very important to her. She loved being a grandmother to Alex, Antonio, Izabela and Greyson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and beloved husband, Carl "Pat" Townsend.

Marie is survived by her sons, daughter-in-law, Danielle, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering to honor Marie will be held in Montana at a later date.