Magdalen Schwartz

Magdalen "Maggie" M Schwartz , 87 of Billings, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the Horizon Hospice Home.(1924-2012)

On October 27, 1924 a feisty Irish/Bohemian baby girl was born in Ray, ND. This feisty nature would serve her well over the next 87 years. Our mother Magdalen "Maggie" M Schwartz was the first of a large family born to Gene and Rose Redmond. Shortly after her birth the young family moved to a farm north of Belfield, ND where she would spend the next nineteen years growing up in the small community along with 6 brothers and 1 sister.

At the age of nineteen Maggie went on her first adventure. She left the security of her family and moved to Billings, MT. World War II was in full swing and nurses were needed. She joined the Army Cadet Corps and through that program, began nurses training at St Vincent's Hospital. She graduated shortly after the war was over and was not given the opportunity to serve in the Army, but instead stayed in Billings and began her nursing career as a Registered Nurse at St Vincent's. In 1946, she met a young man who had just returned from serving overseas and on June 11, 1947, she married John E. Schwartz in her home town of Belfield. The young couple settled in Billings and over the next twelve years 6 children joined them. Dad could seldom get away for a vacation so two or three times a year mom would pack up all the kids in the family station wagon and head back to Belfield for a visit. She was also known to pack the family car with a bunch of teenagers and take off for a football or basketball game in the far reaches of Montana. She never seemed to mind the company of a bunch of silly girls or loud boys.

Over the years, mom held a number of diverse jobs. When she was not practicing nursing she was working in a construction office. The latter occupation took her to construction sites in Montana, California, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. She eventually returned to nursing and spent the last of her working years as a charge nurse at Eagle Cliff Nursing Home where she was awarded the Service Excellence Award. She finally retired at the young age of 74. She soon discovered that she could not handle staying home, however, and after "retiring" started a new career as a volunteer. She was a regular at the Cancer Center, Alberta Bair Theater, Riverstone Hospice and St Bernard's Catholic Church. In her mid-80's, she had to cut back on her volunteer work although she never gave up her work at the Church. She was a faithful fan of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces/nephews. She never missed an activity if it could be helped. She left each of her children a special gift to remember her by in the form of a handmade quilt.

Mom is survived by her 6 children: Colleen Bushard, Gene (Sheryl), Jaci (Mike) Murray all of Billings, Mike (Virginia), Couer d'Alene ID, Joe (Becky), Missoula, and Mary Williams, Upper Marlboro, MD. In addition she is survived by 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thanks goes to her nephew Brian (Robbin) Redmond and family for the good care they took of her. Also, surviving her are 6 brothers: Jerry (Rose) Redmond, Pat (Bev) Redmond, Tom (Jeanie) Redmond, Connie (Glenda ) Redmond all of Belfield ND, Bill (Joann) Redmond of Bismarck ND, and Jack Redmond (Corrine) of Tioga, ND and one sister, Wainetta "Babs" Lundeen of Billings MT. She was preceded in death by her parents and one great-grandchild, Hannah Bushard.

A vigil celebrating Maggie's life will be held Monday night, April 30th, at 7:00 pm at St. Bernard's Church in the Billings Heights. The Funeral Mass on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00 am at St. Bernard's Church. Maggie will be buried in her home town of Belfield ND.

Donations in Maggie's name may be made to Riverstone Hospice/Horizon House or St. Bernard's Catholic Church. The Family would like to send a very special "Thank You" to the staff at Riverstone Hospice for their wonderful care of mom and her family.

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