Harlem, MT

Irene Bridget (Fitzsimmons) Gilbert, 96, passed away in Arizona of natural causes on February 25, 2016. Surrounded by family, she went peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Irene was born on October 8, 1919, the daughter of Irving and Lucy (O'Bryan) Fitzsimmons. Irene was raised in Savoy, MT, and attended Harlem schools. At the age of 18, she married Lewis Clarence Gilbert on November 1, 1937. Together they ranched and farmed for nearly 70 years; the majority of that time was spent East of Harlem at Fort Belknap. In her later years, she resided in Great Falls, MT and Sun City, Arizona.

Irene's legacy was woven with generosity, love, hard work and a sweet faith in God. She was a prayerful lady, and with her loving spirit and kind heart, she touched the lives of many. She was a devoted wife and mother, a hands-on grandmother and a special aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Irene was an excellent homemaker and her meals were enjoyed by her family, friends and the occasional stranger who came to the door at dinnertime.

She loved going for rides, crossword puzzles, eating pie and ice cream and simply spending time with her family and friends. She kept spare money in her purse to dole out to children she happened to meet.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lewis; her parents; siblings: Paul, Jack, Lois, Rose Bernice, Janis and Ted. Her surviving sister, Mary Sanford lives in Helena, MT.

Irene is survived by her children: Kay (Jack) Howard of Fairfield, MT, Lewis Jr. of Great Falls, MT, Sandra Gilbert of Chandler, AZ, Susan (Ron) Grovom of Sun City, AZ, Phyllis of Sun City, AZ, Gwen (Jerry) Anderson of Power, MT, Bonnie (Mark) Josephson of Big Timber, MT, and her chosen daughter Mary Tobe (Jay) Whitaker of Great Falls, MT. Irene was blessed with 19 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.

Her children enjoy knowing how joyful and free she is today in our glorious Heavenly Home. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." To each of you who shared a part of Irene's life, we love you. Special thanks to Newel Alcorn, a dear family friend who was also a devoted, caring helper in Irene's last years.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life is ongoing. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday June 10, 2016 at the Harlem Cemetery. An informal reception will be held at the Harlem Senior citizen center at 2:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be sent to the Bear Paw Hospice at 30 West 13th St. Havre, MT 59501 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/greatfallstribune/obituary.

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