Our mom and Nan, Mary Dawn (Sampson) Purcell passed away on December 3, 2022 in Bozeman with her family by her side.  She was 90 years old.  She had resided at The Springs for the past 3 years.  However, she always considered Butte her home.

Mary Dawn was born on July 2, 1932, in Butte to her parents Edward and Helen (O'Connell) Sampson.  Her younger sister Joan joined the family one year later. She attended Sacred Heart Parochial School and graduated from Girls' Central High School in 1951.  She went on to Western Montana College and earned her elementary teaching certificate.  She taught Kindergarten and First Grade for the Butte School District for many years before retiring in 1996.

Mary Dawn married James E. Purcell on October 11, 1958.  They had 53 years together before Jim passed away in October 2011.  They loved to travel and had many wonderful trips. Mom was the best caregiver to our dad prior to death. They were blessed with two daughters, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren (and one due in January).  Of everything they accomplished in life, they were most proud of their children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Purcell, her sister Joan Sampson, and her parents.  She is survived by her daughters Jamie Purcell Pilati (Knox) of Red Lodge and Janell Purcell Robischon (Pete) of Townsend.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Jim Klemann (Amy) of Billings, Joe Klemann (Kari) of Santiago, Chile, Alexa Robischon Rauser (Jade) of Missoula, and Madison Robischon of Missoula.  Her great grandchildren include Cal and Evelynn Klemann of Billings and Griffin Rauser of Missoula.

A private family service will be held. Our mom will be with our dad in the mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte.  Memorials can be made to Butte Central Catholic Education.