Patricia Ruth "Patty" (Nulty) O'Leary

Patricia Ruth "Patty" (Nulty) O'Leary, 88, of Butte, Montana, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after facing Alzheimer's disease with the same grace and humor that defined her life.

Born and raised in Butte, Montana, Patty was the daughter of Peter Nulty and Margaret Carragher, both of whom are deceased, of County Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Ireland. Although they lived near each other in Ireland, they didn't meet until both had immigrated to Butte, where they began their life together — a story Patty loved to tell and one that reflected her deep pride in her Irish heritage.

Patty married Dick (Richard C.) O'Leary, who preceded her in death, and together they built a beautiful life centered around love, family, and laughter. Their home was a gathering place for generations, filled with good food, great company, and a warmth that made everyone feel welcome.

She was the proud mother of Richard (Carolyn) O'Leary, Randy (Pam) O'Leary, Michael (Denise) O'Leary, Greg (Kerry) O'Leary, and Kathleen (Bill) Hollow.

Her grandchildren were her joy:
Eric O'Leary, Sean O'Leary, Chad O'Leary, Matthew (Jessie) O'Leary, Kyle (Kelli) Hollow, Shauna (Steve Nicholls) Hollow, Colin (Lexi) Hollow, Cal (Kaitlyn) Hollow, Haley (Jordan) Callahan, Mandy (JB) Kelly, Steven O'Leary, Kilian O'Leary, Carrick O'Leary, and Lucy O'Leary.

Her great-grandchildren, who filled her later years with laughter and pride, include:
Gavin O'Leary, Declan O'Leary, Treigh Hollow, Will Hollow II, Mack Hollow, Harper Hollow, Cam Nicholls, Margo Nicholls, Cy Nicholls, Beckett O'Leary, Isabelle O'Leary, Teddy Callahan, Elliott Kelly, Baby Girl Kelly (arriving soon), Reid Hollow, Reese Hollow, and Haddie Hollow.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband Dick O'Leary; parents Peter and Margaret Nulty; son Richard C. O'Leary II; grandson Ryan O'Leary; great-grandson Will Hollow; mother- and father-in-law Ralph and Lucille O'Leary; and sisters Mary Blastek, Rita Lewin, Elizabeth Carroll, Therese Nulty, and Lila Foster.

She is survived by her brothers Peter (PJ) Nulty and Gerald Nulty, numerous nieces and nephews, and the extended Carragher family residing in Carrickmacross, Ireland.

After her children were grown, Patty went to work at the family business, Montana Abstract & Title Co., where her intelligence and reliability left their mark. She belonged to the Butte Country Club, the Garden Club, and the Butte Junior League.

Patty's interests were as colorful as her personality — she loved golfing, skiing, dancing, sewing (and was well known for her perfectly matched Christmas pajamas), baking, traveling, and attending the many sporting events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was especially proud of earning her first hole-in-one at the age of 75 while golfing in Arizona, an accomplishment that brought her great joy.

She enjoyed retirement through travel, family, and spending winters as a snowbird in Arizona and Nevada. Patty and Dick loved exploring near and far — traveling the world by sea and land, collecting stories and friendships along the way. For a time, their motorhome adventures took them across the country, though those "on-the-road" years came to an early end after a memorable fender-bender involving Boston's County Attorney — a story that became one of Patty's favorite laughs to share. She had a lifelong love of gatherings — hosting dinners and holidays, celebrating milestones, and always making sure everyone had a place at the table.

Those who knew Patty will remember her for her love of family, her deep loyalty to her siblings, and her open-hearted generosity. She taught everyone around her the true meaning of friendship — keeping close to friends she'd known since grade school — and the power of resilience through hard times.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Spirit Church in Butte on November 15, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private, followed by a reception at Casagranda's.

Her family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to her special friends and the staff at The Springs, for surrounding their mother with love, friendship (both new and old), and endless warmth in her final years. Patty loved the social events, laughter, and affection she found there, and her family felt that those gatherings enriched her final years with great joy.

A special thank-you goes to her brother, PJ Nulty, who spent many winters and traveled with both Mom and Dad — a true angel in their lives.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Irish Blessing

In life's sweet journey, your greatness shone,
A love divine, a spirit strong.
You stood for truth, faced battles unseen,
An Irish heart, a love that's keen.
Your love, a force, so pure, so true,
A great person, through and through.
Though you're gone, your memory stays,
Irish legacy, through darkest days.
We'll honor your life, your memory hold,
A love unwavering, a story untold.
Our dear one, forever near,
Irish legacy, in memory clear.

We will miss your wonderful sense of humor, laughter, honesty, resilience, examples of friendship, beautiful blue "Irish Eyes," never-ending support, and your love of music and dancing that you shared with us.
She's dancing again — coral lipstick gleaming, laughter in her eyes — with Dick waiting, hand outstretched, to lead her home once more.