K. MARILYN GERARD, Obituary

GREAT FALLS K. Marilyn Gerard, 71, died Friday, July 6, 2001 at her home in Great Falls of cancer.

Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Gerard's Catholic Church with burial at Highland Cemetery.

Gerard was born Aug. 1, 1929 in Havre. She grew up in Havre and graduated from Havre High School.

She married James Davey in 1950 in Havre. They divorced in 1954.

She married Irby Gerard in Fort Benton in 1959.

Gerard attended the University of Montana and Northern Montana College.

She began playing the piano and singing at the social events during high school and continued to make it a lifetime profession. Her career included playing in Missoula, Helena and Great Falls. The last 20 years of her career, she played at Eddie's Supper Club. She retired in 1987 due to complications with multiple sclerosis.

Gerard was a Girl Scout leader, coordinator of youth hockey, member of St. Gerard's Parish, PTA member, and active in multiple sclerosis support group.

She enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, politics, music, reading and spending time at the cabin in Glacier National Park.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Irby Gerard, in 1991; son, Donovan Davey, in 1961; granddaughter, Mindy Peterson, in 1972.

Survivors include her daughters, Jamie Spencer of Great Falls and Jana Gerard of Missoula; son, Jerry Gerard of Great Falls; sister, Marjie Spinler of Hingham; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Peace Hospice of Montana or Multiple Sclerosis Association.

O'Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements and cremation.