Magdalena Ellen Boecker

Magdalena “Lena” Ellen (Foshag) Boecker, 102, of Great Falls, a retired homemaker, died of natural causes on January 27, 2018. We will have masses said for her once a month and a rosary will be held for her by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Her graveside service and burial will be on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in Mount Olivet Cemetery next to her beloved husband, Ray. Chaplain Richard Brennan will be presiding. She was very fond of the song “Happy Trails to You” and requested that it be sung at the end of her burial services. Survivors include her daughter, Marilyn Cady of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Steven and Lindy; great-grandchildren Maura, Christopher, Sean, Michael, Brian and Jennifer; great-great grandchildren Ashlynn, Patrick, Aiden, Bethany, Preslie, and Zeke; granddaughter-in-law Rebecca Cady; nephews Bill, Bernie, Bob and Burton Foshag of Missoula, MT. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Raphael A. “Ray” Boecker in 1990; son-in-law Albert J. Cady; grandson Alan D. Cady; parents Bernard and Margaret (Sullivan) Foshag; and brothers Baby Bernard Jr. and William L. (Mary Carey) Foshag. Magdalena was born May 23, 1915 in Butte, Montana. She was raised in Butte, Great Falls and Lewistown where she graduated from Fergus County High School in 1934. Her father was an engineer with the Milwaukee Railroad and she has always had a keen interest in anything connected with railroads. As a child, she always looked forward to visiting her paternal grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in Milwaukee, WI, which involved a long train ride. She and her mother made many trips to Butte by train to visit her maternal grandmother and all of her aunts, uncles and cousins. Columbia Gardens was always a highlight of that trip. As the oldest grandchild, she was put in charge of all of the cousins when they went to the gardens and rode the open air trolley to get there. She married Raphael A. Boecker, Aug. 17, 1936. He died Apr. 4, 1990. She devoted her entire life to being a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker and was very successful at it. These travels took them to all corners of the U.S. and because they were travelling by car, they were able to visit other friends and relatives and enjoy all the sights along the way. The two hardest parts of their lives were getting through the depression and when they were separated by Ray’s death. Magdalena was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church for many years and then Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. In her younger years, she was active in both churches’ altar societies. She also belonged to the St. Rita’s Circle (Holy Family Parish) and the Jolly Gerardians. She was very devoted to her faith. She kept Jesus and Mary in her everyday life and was asked many times to pray for others. Her grandchildren always felt her prayers were necessary whenever they were going to face a challenge. She was proud of the fact that she hadn’t missed communion on First Friday for many years dating back to the 1940’s. She was also a member of the ladies auxiliaries of the Ursuline Academy and Central Catholic High School. Lena was able to stay in her home until she was 101 and enjoyed doing many things for herself until the last few years. She enjoyed telling stories all about her 102 years. Lena enjoyed homemaking, cooking, baking, singing, playing the piano, going to Harvest Dinners, traveling, sending out her famous Christmas letter, helping others, and especially spending time with her family. Magdalena was a friend to all and would help anyone in need. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. A big thank you to Judy Kenmir, who cared for Lena on the family's behalf this last year while in the nursing home. From facetime calls to Bingo outings, Judy kept Lena’s far away family this past year involved in Lena’s every day activities. Lena truly appreciated everyone’s loving efforts throughout her journey here. In lieu of flowers, please request a mass service to be said in memory of Lena at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Photo note: Magdalena won the most “Beautiful Baby Contest” held in Butte Montana in 1915.