Mary Joyce "Mj" Calnan

It is with heavy Irish hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Joyce "MJ" Calnan. She died peacefully in Plano, TX on December 6, 2018 surrounded by family. She is survived by her children; Paul Kiley (Kecia Allamong), Erin Kiley, Michael Kiley (Kate Kiley), grandchildren; Dan Kiley (Nadia Kiley), Patrick Kiley, Sheila Kiley, Ryan Pfau, Cory Pfau, Karleigh Pfau, Connor Kiley, Tyler Kiley and great-grandson; Ian Kiley. She was a Nana, Mom, Aunt, Beloved Friend, Kidney Donor, Author, Director of Family Life (Diocese of Springfield, MA), Director Women's Leadership Initiative (Dallas, TX), Matriarch. Born March 14, 1943 in Anaconda, MT she attended Anaconda Central High School, University of Montana, Evergreen College and Regis University. She held a master's degree. She was one of 7 children and will be sadly missed by the surviving 5 siblings; Joey Calnan, Dan Calnan, Margie Calnan Smith, Johnny Calnan, Marty Calnan. She will be buried alongside her brother, Larry Calnan and parents Margie Calnan and Joe Calnan at Mount Olivet Cemetery Anaconda, MT, January 12, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations can made to www.kidney.org/support. She was, in every sense of the word, family-focused. Instilling in her family a deep sense of caring for one another, carrying on of traditions and always respecting the Irish/Montana roots. She had a heart of gold and her personal mission in life was to share that with others. She prided herself on touching the lives of others - sponsoring families from other countries, counseling families and friends and giving anyone in need, anything they needed. By example, she taught everyone around her how to love. She gave selflessly, she loved unconditionally, she was a feeler and she expected others to do the same. She was a stickler for traditions and ceremonies. Birthdays were celebrated on the actual birthday, no exceptions. Thanksgiving and Christmas were revered. Those holidays were reserved for baking with grandkids. Every generation now knows how to make spritz cookies, pie cookies, Montana bread and a pasty. Babies were celebrated, a crying baby was music to her ears. Children were to be cherished, especially toddlers. An out of control toddler the parents saw as a burden, MJ saw as an "Opportunity". She will be missed dearly but can rest easy knowing that as a; Sister, Aunt, Mom, Nana - None of us missed the example you set. The loving, caring, compassionate, determined, tradition filled life you lived will carry on for generations. You did good, mom...we got it from here.... Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, January 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.

Visitation

JAN 12. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W Pennsylvania Ave Anaconda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

JAN 12. 11:00 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W Pennsylvania Ave Anaconda, MT 59711