linda Lee (Smith) Heard

July 30, 1941 – May 12, 2022

Our resilient Wife, Nana, Mom and Sister, Linda Heard passed away on May 12, 2022. Linda was born July 30, 1941, in Butte, Montana to James and Rosemary (Gallagher) Smith. She was proud of growing up in Butte on Colorado Street and attending St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School.   She is a graduate of Girls Central Catholic High School in 1959. She furthered her education at Gonzaga University and graduating from Seattle University in 1963 as a Medical Technologist.

While attending St. Joseph's Elementary school, she met the love of her life, Ed Heard. The two were married on August 24, 1963 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Married for 59 years this coming August they enjoyed many adventures and learned many life lessons together. Linda and Ed started their family in 1964 with the birth of their son Eddie, followed by son, Mark in 1965, daughter Kerrie in 1966 and their baby boy, Chris in 1971.

Linda started working with her Medical Technology Internship at St. James Community Hospital in 1963. She worked in the St. James Hospital Laboratory from 1963 – 1971 in her field of Medical Technology. Continuing her work at Westside Laboratory on Alabama Street in Butte from 1972-1986. She returned to St. James Laboratory and worked in the Lab from 1986-1994. Linda was not ready or willing to retire in 1994 but as usual her medical issues would dictate her timing. Linda was proud of her job and loved working in the medical laboratory field as she raised her family. She made many life-long friends working and she always spoke of those times fondly. Linda was also a member of Daughters of Issabelle and a long time member of St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Mom was one of the strongest women that ever lived. Her medical issues started when she was 10 years old. She suffered from nephritis and missed an entire year of attending school.   She did her work at home and continued with her class the next year. In 1994 she was life-flighted to Salt Lake City where she spent months fighting for her life. She amazed everyone with her tenacity and will to live and fight to return to a normal life. We were told in 1994 she only had a 50% chance of living 5 years. She lived, thrived and fought for another 28 years with many health challenges for her tiny little body with the fight of a champion.

Nana loved her grandchildren and was willing to do anything and everything for them. They were the pride of her life. She attended every concert, game, recital, graduation, play, production and event for them that she was invited to. If she knew about it – she was there!   She even did the volunteer work of concession stands and ticket takers that was requested of family members to support their schools. Nana (Mom) could be found at many events supporting her kids, grandkids, Montana Tech, Butte High and Butte Central. Some of our best memories are attending many Montana Grizzlies games in all types of weather to cheer on The Griz.

It is important to mention all our wonderful memories of spending time with family and friends. So many great times spent at Georgetown Lake every summer at the Girl Scout Cabins. Our time there with all our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all were gave us a love of spending time outdoors and in beautiful Montana wilderness. All the years and times enjoying Ennis Lake and the wonderful times spent with loved ones at Seeley Lake.

Linda is preceded in death by parents, Jim and Rosemary Smith, In-laws Bill and Dorothy Heard. Brothers-in-laws Jim Combo, Bob Petrino, Bill Heard & Herb Heard. Sister-in-law JoAnn Marvin. Close fiend Joe Rashleigh. Beloved grandchildren Kaitryn Heard and Jacob Heard.

Linda is survived by her loving husband Ed, sons Mark, Eddie (Stephanie), Chris (Nikki) and daughter Kerrie Hellyer (Denim). Sisters Sharon Combo and Patsy Petrino. Sister –in- law Patsy (Ray) Marshall, Brother- in- law John Marvin. Grandchildren Kevin (Fernando), TJ, Caleb Jet, Caleb Edward, Morgyn Smith and Kaden. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will begin and 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18 at St. Ann's Church. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Linda's family asks that a donation in her name be made to St. James Foundation, Butte Central Education Foundation and the donor's choice.