Mary Eva Pope, 88, of St. Anthony died Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at her granddaughter's home surrounded by loved ones.

She was born on July 17, 1937 in New England, North Dakota to John Kilwein and Magdalene Braun. She had four brothers and four sisters.

Mary graduated from New England Public School in 1955. She married Henry Pope Jr and moved to Hardin, Montana.  Here they had three children Wanda, Nadine, and Tim Pope. Later they moved to Libby, Montana and later to St. Anthony, Idaho

Mary loved her family and cooking for everyone. One of her joys in life was getting to watch her grandkids and great-grandkids. Grandma was up for anything she spent many of weeks at the cabin in Island Park in the summer months with her grandkids, baiting the hooks and cleaning the fish. She taught many of them how to drive way before they took drivers ed. They would drive her 1989 Ford Probe from St. Anthony to Island Park on the back roads.

Her home was always open and table was always full. She always had music playing, whether it was Charlie Pride or a good Polka spinning in the background.

Mary's last wish was to see the mountains and the cabin one more time. On the way home, they stopped at a local restaurant in Island Park and picked up one of her favorite foods for her to eat on the way home. While she listened to her favorite songs from Charlie Pride and Willy Nelson (tapping her hand on her knee.) She was strong, resilient and unforgettable. Anyone who met her loved her. She was the first one to call you on your birthday. She will be truly missed.

Mary is survived by her children: Nadine (Gary) Sutton, Tim Pope, son-in-law Lionel Smith. Her siblings Bernie (Ralph) Flyberg, and Marcella (Mel) Flyberg. Along with 8 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Magdalene Kilwein, her husband Henery James Pope Jr., daughter Wanda (Lionel) Smith, two sisters and her four brothers.