Mary Ann Engdahl, 85, of Jordan, passed away at home on October 14, 2020. She was born on January 24, 1935, the eldest of eight children, to the late Melvin “Mel” and Mary (Milroy) FitzGerald, in Fort Peck, Montana.
The family lived on the homestead at Flat Creek until after Mary Ann’s 8th grade graduation in 1949. They sold their home and moved to Charlo, Montana where she graduated High School in 1953. She was active in 4-H and her favorite subjects in school were Home Economics and Math. In 1953, she moved to Jordan and worked at a local cafe and then the ASCS office until she married Larry O. Engdahl.
Mary Ann and Larry were married on January 22, 1955, and had two children, Donald “Don” and Mary “Muff”. The family lived in many locations around Garfield County as dictated by their work in the construction industry. They ultimately settled in Jordan in 1970. Together they owned and operated a construction business and later a commercial upholstery and furniture repair business.
Mary Ann had a great passion for her community and gave back in many ways. She was a town Council Member from April 1, 1975 to August 4, 1976, at which time she became the town’s Mayor and held this position until December 31, 2009. During her 33-year tenure as Mayor, she received many Distinguished Service awards. She was a boy scout leader, school bus driver, and mowed the town’s parks throughout this time as well.
Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, playing the piano and accordion, and spending time with her family. Her door was always open for a cup of coffee and friendly conversation.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Mary “Muff” Engdahl; granddaughter, Molly Fortunato; great grandchildren, Mason, Max and Madison; as well as siblings Ann Secrest Hanson, George FitzGerald, John FitzGerald, Bill FitzGerald, Donna Hageman, Helen Cogley, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Engdahl; son, Don Engdahl; parents, Mary and Melvin FitzGerald; and brother, Mick Fitzgerald.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan.
With the COVID-19 restrictions we understand if you choose not to attend the service, if you do attend please have a mask available and practice social distancing. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pioneer Cemetery Fund or to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday October 19, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
Luncheon
Potluck Luncheon to follow the service
Tuesday October 20, 2020
VFW Hall
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday October 19, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
Luncheon
Potluck Luncheon to follow the service
Tuesday October 20, 2020
VFW Hall
Jordan, Montana 59337
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Rita FitzGerald says
Mary Ann —what a LADY!! When I joined the FitzGerald family Mary Ann made me feel like I had been part of the family forever. A picture of grit and frankness, she pulled no punches, just frank honesty. She was definitely a FITZGERALD!! Always comparing noses—she didn’t take first place, but close! If she had the FitzGerald temper, she hid it from me. She had good reason to take it out on Bill when he constantly reminded her of putting a snake in the shower with her! The first streakerhe ever saw! She will leave a gaping hole in our lives and we will love her always!!
Rita
Gerome and Rita Wemmer says
So very sorry for your loss. Muff your mom was such a wonderful woman. She wore so many hats during her lifetime. Such an amazing life…the ones that affected us the most was her mayor hat and school bus driver hat. She will be missed by so many. Our love and prayers go out for you and the grands,and all extended family. ❤❤❤ May God bless and keep her memories alive for all.
Karen Barnes says
RIP friend Mary Ann – she is leaving a big hole in the life of everyone who was her family or friend – I have so many, many great memories made through so many years of friendship – I will always miss her and remember her. She was a very special lady. God Bless all of her Family and Friends – may all the good memories be a comfort to you.
Jeana and Matt Bliss says
To All of Mary Ann’s family, we are so sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Donovan Currey says
May God hold Mary Ann in his wonderful arms, because she was a very special lady.
As a young boy in Jordan, I spent many hours at her home, as Don and I played, and she was always so warm and welcoming to us boys. She made us snacks, meals and always keep a watchful eye to make sure we were safe.
The town of Jordan has truly lost one of it’s active community members with her pass. Rest in Peace Mary Ann.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy.
Phil and Darlene says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Mary Ann’s family. She was a Special person. Loved by all who knew her. She was a great pillar of the Community .May you find comfort in all of your memories. Love and Hugs to all of her Family
RUTH GASS says
condolences to the family of Mary Ann she will be missed for all the things she did for Garfield county she was a very true friend
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry to hear about Mary Ann prayers to the family
Jo Rysn says
Muff and the FitzGerald families. Mary Ann was such a hard worker and loved by everyone. She was so happy and caring. She always brightened your day when you saw her. Treasure the memories.
Linda Rogers says
A sweet lady , may you find comfort in all the wonderful memories
Irene Trogden says
Mary Ann I hope you and my mother are enjoying a good visit over a cup of coffee. RIP. Such a wonderful lady.
Roxie Saylor says
Condolences to Muff and all of Mary Ann’s families.We will miss you Mary Ann.I learned how to upholster pickup seats from you.RIP Dear friend.
Mike Duncan says
Muff so sorry for your loss my thoughts are with you
Helen Cogley says
Sure will miss that sister who was more of a mother to me. She even bossed me around like my mother! Will especially miss the 9:30 AM phone calls every other day. Her passing will certainly leave a huge hole in our family.
So very sorry we cannot attend the funeral due to recent health problems. Our condolences go out to Muff, Molly, Mark and kiddos.
Jenny Frady says
We are sorry to hear the lost of Mary Ann , my prayers go to the family and Muff
Carol McNutt (Kibler) says
Our deepest sympathy to Muff and all the Fitzgerald families. She was quite a lady.
Nick & Betty Clauson says
Fitzgerald family, sorry about MaryAnn, she was a neat lady. Sincerely, Nick & Betty Clauson
Kelly Childers says
To all of Mary Ann’s family,
She was such a wonderful person and I will miss seeing her smile. I think the good Lord is pleased to have her to keep the lawns mowed and everything in good shape.
DJ & Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our deepest sympathy to Muff and all of the FitzGerald families. Quite a lady, Mary Ann. She touched the lives of many and was a great representative of our Jordan community. Mary Ann will be much missed and always remembered.
Claudia Stanton says
C:ondolences to the Family of Mary Ann. She will be remembered as a very special lady.
Joyce Schwartz says
Sending heartfelt sympathy to all of MaryAnn’s family. May you all treasure your memories of her as your: Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Sister in law, Aunt and Friend. She was a true “Gem” in her family and her community. She will be missed by all.