Beverly Elise (Perrault) Lalonde

Beverly Elise Perrault Lalonde (1931 – 2023)

Beverly Elise Perrault Lalonde passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 4, 2023, Trinity Sunday, in Billings. She was 92 years old.

Beverly was born in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, just north of St. Paul, on May 5, 1931, to James and Bernadette Perrault. Her father’s family settled within 30 miles of St. Paul, while her mother’s family settled near the Murdoch/DeGraff area north of St. Paul. They came to that area from Ireland via Michigan. Beverly went to grade school, high school and college in the Twin Cities. In high school, she attended Visitation Convent School, a private cloister convent school for girls in St. Paul.

Her husband, Eugene, went to St. Thomas Military Academy, where they met during dancing classes their sophomore year. They spent Friday evenings dancing when all the private schools would meet. During that time, the private schools were all-girl or all-boy. Gene would go home to Sidney for holidays and summer vacation, while Beverly stayed with her family in St. Paul. They both graduated from high school in 1949. Gene went to St. Thomas College for two years of Pre-Law. They were engaged in 1951, but their parents insisted they wait a year to marry.

Beverly and Gene were married on June 28, 1952, in St. Paul. They started their lives together in Opheim. While Gene was working on a construction project, Beverly learned how to drive, receiving her driver’s license that summer. They moved to Missoula for two years, where Gene studied law and graduated from the University of Montana Law School in 1954. After Law School, they moved to St. Paul, where they welcomed daughter Kathleen Therese in 1954.

In 1955, Gene enlisted in the Air Force and was sent to Middletown, Pennsylvania, as a Judge Advocate. From 1957 to 1959, they were transferred between places, including Niagara Falls and Philadelphia. They returned to St. Paul, where Gene worked for Remington Rand Univac for two years and then they headed for Sidney. Gene joined his father’s construction company, Lalonde Construction, where they completed the Livingston construction project. Gene practiced law in Sidney from 1963 to 1969, where they enjoyed dancing classes, golf and bridge together. This is also when Beverly learned to fly an airplane. They were blessed with three more beautiful children during those years: Mary Ellen in 1961, Michael Gerard in 1963 and James Albert in 1966. Beverly loved being a mother.

Gene was appointed US Attorney in Billings in 1969, where the family relocated. Her life was busy with her children; they were her main passion and priority. After the children were in school, she began her volunteer service at St. Vincent Auxiliary as a Coffee Cart Lady. She held a few other positions, including Pink Lady and Surgery Waiting Room Attendant. She became the Buyer Manager for the Gift Shop at St. Vincent’s Hospital for five years. Her willingness to serve and help others included over 6,000 hours of volunteer service. She was recognized as an outstanding volunteer for most hours served.

With their children grown and living in various parts of the country, they spent their summers in Billings and winters in Palm Desert, California. They began welcoming grandchildren in 1980. Gene suffered from major cardiac disease and Beverly dedicated her life to his care and comfort. Her husband was just one of the many people throughout her life she cared for during difficult times. Gene passed far too soon in 1993. Beverly continued with their plans to move to Summerlin, Nevada.

Beverly joined St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, where she became involved with the Rosary Makers and soon became their Director. Under her leadership and support, the Rosary Makers created thousands of rosaries that were sent to missions around the world. She loved her family, friends and faith and spent 23 years in Summerlin. During the summer of 2016, Beverly traveled to Europe with her family to visit the Vatican, a lifelong dream. In 2020, she moved back to Billings to be closer to family and friends.

A true matriarch, she was deeply loved and respected by all. Beverly led by example and pushed those around her to be their best self. She instilled patience and loved her family, friends and church beyond measure.

Beverly is survived by her four children, Kathleen Tharp (Ronald), Mary Rockwell (Bradley), Michael Lalonde and James Lalonde (April); seven grandchildren, Melissa Thomas (Jeff), Sean Tharp (Amanda), Ryan Tharp, Nicholas Rockwell (Mallory), Natalie Rockwell, Jack Lalonde and Presley Lalonde; and four great-grandchildren, Chayten, Aiden, Cameron and Sloan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Albert Lalonde; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Stanley Perrault; and her brothers, James Perrault and Thomas Perrault.

Beverly’s Celebration of Life will begin with a Rosary Vigil at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., with live-streaming available via www.michelottisawyers.com. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at St. Thomas Parish, 2055 Woody Drive. Following the service, Beverly will be laid to rest with her husband, Eugene, at Holy Cross Cemetery. Luncheon Reception to follow at 1918 18th St. West, Billings MT 59102.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial to St. Thomas Parish or St. Vincent’s Hospital is requested.

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