Our loving mother, Marie Lou, died at the Billings Clinic on January 7, of injuries sustained from an accident on the farm south of Brockton. She was born Marie Louise on September 18, 1940 to Louis and Catherine Poutcou in Mendive, France in the Basque region of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. She married Jean Pierre Bidegaray on April 1, 1964 and started her new life as a farmwife, mother and partner with her husband and later with her sons. Mom & Dad started farming & ranching in the Yellowstone Valley in Sidney and then moved to the Charlie Creek area south of Brockton farming & ranching along the Missouri River. For the next 54 years, Mom raised 6 children, many a bum calf, and harvested and shared the bounties of her orchards, gardens and her chickens! She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jean Pierre in 2012, siblings in France (Jeanne, Jean, Jean Charles, Jean Louis) and her parents Louis and Catherine. She is survived by her children and (grandchildren): Josy & Mike McLean (Jayse) in Great Falls; Jeanine Granada (Dominica, Renée, Gabriel) south of Brockton, Patrick & Lanette Bidegaray (Colton, Landon, Alexi) in Culbertson; Gabriele & Geremy Powell (Nora, Gage) in Mount Pleasant, SC; Claude & Tammi Bidegaray (Brice), south of Brockton; Remi Bidegaray, south of Brockton. She is survived also by her brothers Jean Pierre, Joseph, and Jean Baptiste, and dear youngest sister Gracie in France.
Her children and their families wish to thank the first responders and doctors from Poplar Community Hospital and the trauma surgeons and nurses at Billings Clinic for their care and support of Mom in her last days. As per her wishes, Mom has been cremated and Stevenson-Clayton Memorial in Wolf Point is handling funeral arrangements. A funeral mass will be held later this summer at St. Bernard’s in Charlie Creek. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity close to your heart wherever you call home. As Mom loved her life where she was planted, may your gifts be like seeds to grow a vibrant, supportive community wherever they are planted.
Mom, rest in Peace in the Loving Arms of Jesus.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Doreen Thiessen says
God Bless the family of Marie Lou Bidegaray. May they all find peace and strength to help them through the next days. We are sending up prayers for patience and understanding. Love, Curt and Doreen Thiessen
Carlos J Buck Elk | Versailles France says
My deepest condolences to the entire Bidegaray family 💙
Sue Schmitz Holt says
My heart goes out to you all as you are confronted with the loss of your mother. I wish I could give you all hugs. I remember when she first came to the community. She was a wonderful addition and was very welcomed. So sorry to hear she is gone. May her soul rest in peace.
Mary Dillon says
My sincerest sympathy to all your family. May you find it comforting knowing that we will see our loved ones again. Your family is in my prayers. Mary Prevost Dillon
Sue Schmitz Holt says
My heart is with you at the loss of your Mother. I remember when she came to the community and what a welcome addition to the community she was. She will missed by all. May you find your comfort in our precious Savior Jesus. I wish I could give you all hugs!
Joe Schmitz says
From Helena , I send my condolences to the Sons and Daughters of Marie Bidegaray. I remember her as very Gentle Soul and Kind Hearted. My prayers are with you at this tragic time. Her soul will go to the right place, that is for sure. Joe Schmitz
Joe Ruffatto says
So sorry to hear about your loss. All our prayers
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
To the Granada family,
Gene, sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
My condolences.
Kari Skedsvold says
Josie, Jeanine, Patrick, Gabriele, Claude and Remi,
I have fond memories of your mother. Your mother was always so kind to me. I remember her laugh and her kind smile. I’ll never forget the time she sat and laughed while we (what seemed like 16 teenagers) tore apart the turkey she had just made.
My heart is with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories of her that you hold dear. I am so sorry for your loss.
Noah Nickoloff says
To the Granada’s and Bidegary family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you guys and all of your family, I will always remember the giant breakfasts she would make for Gabe and I and how sweet she was.
Poutcou sylvie says
I meet ttantta Marilou on 1999 when i got married. She wellcome me like amother. I’ll never forget her and her family. She looked her sisters and brothers. All of them were passionated by gardening, cooking. They all were very good in their work.
Ttantta and otto had a lot of courage to go to a big country and learn language, educate 6 children.
I’m very proud of my father and his sisters and brothers. I love you.
Christal McLean says
It is never easy to loose a loved one but sweet memories will always be in your heart to call upon whenever you need comfort, closeness or even joy and laughter for the days, weeks and years you experienced together. Sincere condolences to your family and peace and hope for their posterity.
Pam Anders says
Sending prayers and love to everyone!!
Marlene Bengochea says
With sadness, we heard about Marylou. Over the years, she shared her wonderful cooking with us at our 4th of July picnic and the Basque picnics. Marylou showed our family the character and spirit of the Basque woman and remember her with great fondness.
Bev Vannatta says
Dear ones, I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Lou was so sweet and kind . I hadn’t seen her in years but the picture you chose for the obituary is beautiful. I’m sure she will be terribly missed. You will all be in my prayers