Mary E. England

Mary E. England, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Libby, Montana, on Jan. 4. 

Mary was born April 28, 1934 in Wheatland, Wyoming, to James and Alice Cooper. She received her B.A. from Cincinnati Bible Seminary in 1956 and her teaching degree from the University of Montana.

While in college, she met James England from Alderson, West Virginia, and they were married in 1956 in her parents’ home in Kalispell. She ministered alongside Jim in Yosemite, Kentucky, and Eufaula, Oklahoma, before moving back to northwest Montana in 1967 when they began attending Libby Christian Church at the local Grange Hall. 

In their 61 years of marriage, they developed wonderful lifelong relationships and served faithfully in a number of capacities at Libby Christian Church.

After moving to Libby, she worked as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools while earning her teaching credentials from the University of Montana. She then taught elementary school at Central and McGrade until her retirement in 1997.

As a young woman, Mary took flying lessons, eventually earning her pilot’s license, and often spoke of how much she had enjoyed flying a small plane. She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan and loved seeing them involved in a variety of activities through the years. 

She was also an avid reader and enjoyed many a mystery novel and television show. In her retirement, Mary was a passionate quilter, creating dozens and dozens of quilts for family and friends. She was involved with the Missions Quilting group and was a key organizer of the annual quilt retreat at the church. 

She enjoyed spending time with her family around the dinner table or in outdoor settings like Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.

Mary is survived by her son Jonathan and wife, Laura; her daughters Jeanette Morden and husband Kurt, and Sandra Starr and significant other Pete; granddaughters Kaitlyn England and husband Zeke, and Hannah England; grandsons Philip England, Isaac Morden and wife Jamie, and Glenn Morden; five great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Jim England, their infant son, Philip; her sister Margaret Pack; her parents; and her son-in-law Randy Starr.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at Libby Christian Church with pastor Phil Alspaw officiating. 

To honor Mary, if anyone has a quilt that she made, you are invited to bring it to drape over your seat during the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Legacy Program at Libby Christian Church. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.