Kathleen "Kelly" Troy

Kathleen Kelly Frances McCormack Troy, 95, of Augusta, went peacefully to her Mamas open arms on Wednesday, November 19, 2014.Kelly was born to Irish immigrants, Dan & Anna McCormack, on January 26, 1919. Her dad raised sheep on the Burton Bench, east of Choteau. She, her sisters, and brother attended school at the Ursuline Academy in Great Falls. Kelly excelled in academics and basketball. As she neared graduation from the College of Great Falls, World War II was breaking out and women were called into service. Kelly became the first woman in the United States to become a weather observer and radiosonde technician for the Weather Bureau on Gore Hill.She met Maitland Troy in Great Falls and they were married in the fall of 1945. They soon moved to Augusta to join his folks on the family ranch where they raised five children. After all the kids were in school, Mom renewed her certification and taught school in Augusta for 20 years.Kelly was a lover of books, education and all things Irish. Six times she journeyed to Ireland to keep the family connections alive. Kelly was a member of St. Matthias Altar Society, Augusta Youth Center, a leader of Busy Bees 4-H Club, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Red Hats Society. She was instrumental in raising the funds to build St. Matthias Catholic Church in Augusta, and was involved in many other community activities. Kelly was always doing something to help someone, and her cookie jar was always full for visitors of all ages. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the lights of her life. She will be remembered for her generosity, optimistic attitude and deep faith.She is survived by her two sisters Doreen Curtis and Angela Hasty; sons Pat (Carol) and Tim (Karen); daughters Mary Skinner and Kathy Murphy (Pat Greany); her daughter-in-law Arlene Troy; 18 grandchildren: Matt, Ani and Rosslynde, Patty Sue, Tia and Nick, Jennifer, Megan, Bridget and Kacey, Cody, Chris, Michael and Anthony, Katie Jo, Daniel, Kristina and T.J.; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and the ones mom always said SHE never divorced: Nora Rankin, Susan Ford, Pat Murphy, Mona Troy and Dennis Skinner. She loved us all.Kelly was preceded in death by her husband Maitland; brother, Jack McCormack; sister Betty Shanahan, and son Tom.May the road rise up to meet you, may the winds be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet againMay God hold you in the palm of His hands.A visitation will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2014 at St. Matthias Church in Augusta, with a vigil service following at 6:00 p.m. The funeral liturgy will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthias with burial immediately following at the Augusta Cemetery. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately after the burial. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the St. Matthias Altar Society.