Mary Louise Debelak, 79, an unapologetic humanitarian and free-spirited adventurer, embarked on her final journey on March 9, 2025. Born on Christmas Eve in 1945, in Rockford, Illinois to Frank and Florence Debelak, Mary’s desire to experience the world began early and lasted her whole life, a maverick and pioneer in many aspects.
She lived and worked from California to Florida, as a typist, a store clerk, and a flight attendant for Flying Tiger Airlines. She rode motorcycles and got her pilot’s license completing her first solo flight in 1967! She joined the Navy in 1975 stationed in Naples, Italy where she proudly served her country as a Quartermaster Third Class, one of the earliest females to do so. She started her family after her military service, living in Colorado (where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science through the University of Colorado), the Philippines, and Tennessee, where she continued to work for the DOD as a civilian while raising her children and volunteering for the public radio station and events at the nature center.
Mary put down roots in Townsend, MT in 1993 which became the longest one place she ever stayed. She was particularly passionate about recycling and sustainable practices, establishing a non-profit recycling center in Townsend well before any local services existed. She also participated in the Garden Club, donated blood regularly, volunteered for Speech and Drama meets, supported all local causes during fundraisers, and visited homebound seniors through the Senior Companion program. She loved playing cribbage, Scrabble, doing crossword puzzles and kept on top of current world events at all times.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sister Susie, and brothers Kenny, Bill, and Bobby. She is survived by a sister, Lois of Illinois, son Adrian and granddaughter Scarlet of Nebraska, daughter Morgan (Jay) of Washington and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of a formal celebration or flowers, her children encourage just doing something kind or helpful for someone else or donating to a local animal shelter as she frequently did.
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Jere Thompson says
What a lovely tribute!
She was all of the above as well as a great neighbor.