Mary Anne (Laughlin) Lazetich Young

Mary Anne Laughlin Lazetich Young passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Sunday, May 15, 2022.  Mary was born at 602 Ash St. in Anaconda on September 18, 1924, to Irish immigrants Martin and Mary (Folan) Laughlin. 

Mary attended St. Paul’s Parochial School and graduated in 1942 from St. Peter’s High School.  Following graduation from Butte Business College, she was employed by the Torgerson Brothers’ Intermountain Bus Lines, which provided her the opportunity to travel extensively.  In 1955, she and her mother traveled to Ireland for three months, visiting family and solidifying lifelong connections to her Irish roots.  Upon her return, she was employed by the Montana State Liquor Store for a short time and then joined Schwartz’s Department Store where she worked for 27 years.  During this time, she also was a waitress at the Copper Club working with her future husband, Milan Lazetich.  They were married June 12, 1960, in Butte, MT, and made their home in an apartment above the Copper Club.  In 1963, they welcomed their daughter, Milana, and soon moved to the West Valley on Cable Road near the Lazetich Ranch.  Their son, Michael, was born in 1964.  Mary and Milan were married until his untimely death in 1969 at the age of 47.  In 1971, she met Bill Young, a superintendent with McKee Construction, who had moved to Anaconda to build the electric furnace for the Anaconda Company.  They married on March 26, 1973, in Anaconda, and enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, boating, socializing, and dancing at the Elks Club until Bill died in 1990.

Mary had many interests and accomplishments throughout her 97 years.  She was a proud, lifelong Democrat, and served as a Deer Lodge County election judge for 60 years, receiving a commendation for her service from then-Governor Brian Schweitzer.  She was a 75+ year member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and very proud of her Irish heritage.  She held several offices including the president of the Anaconda division, as well as the Montana state president.  Mary joined the Elks Club as a DOE and served many offices in that organization as well.  When the Supreme Court ruled that women were entitled to join male-only benevolent organizations, Mary quickly joined as a member of the Elks and rose to become the first female exalted ruler of the Anaconda lodge.  She was also involved in the Anaconda Community Hospital Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, and the Anaconda Catholic Community luncheon committee, and volunteered monthly to register donors for the Anaconda blood bank.

Mary had a quick wit and didn’t suffer fools or put up with certain political beliefs.  She was strong and opinionated, but you always knew where you stood, and she was happy to discuss differences over a ditch.  She loved reading and doing crossword puzzles until her vision was compromised in her later years.  Mary’s greatest joy came from spending time with her enormous circle of friends and family who will forever miss her sassy comebacks, beautiful smile, and passion for singing Irish tunes.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mary; husbands Milan Lazetich and Bill Young; infant son Michael Lazetich; brothers Steve, Mike, Pudgo and wife, Gladys; sister Margaret and husband, John T. Kelly.  She is survived by nieces Peg Heimerman, Pat Clouse, Barbara Kelly, Shirley Colwell, Rosalie Butorovich, Linda Larson, Marilou Verlanic, Sandra Wattula, Karen Moses, and Maria Kiplinger; nephews Jack Kelly, Pete Smith, Pete Lazetich, Marko Lucich, and Jim Clouse; stepson Harry Young.  She is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she dearly loved.  Finally, she is survived by her daughter Milana Lazetich and son-in-law Mike Schwarzkopf, who were devoted to the loving care of Mary until her final minute on this earth.

A huge thank you to the staff at Brookdale Springmeadows, where Mary was a resident for the last eight years.  Many staff members became family to her, and she to them, caring for her much more than their job required.  For that, we are forever grateful. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 11, starting with visitation at 9:00 AM followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Peter’s Church in Anaconda, MT.  Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the AOH Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to the Anaconda Community Hospital and Nursing Home Foundation, the Anaconda Catholic Community luncheon committee, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pintler Pets, or the charity of your choice.  In memory of Mary, please raise a glass of Early Times and cheer “slàinte.” And, if you don’t speak Irish, cheer “whatever.”