Grace Scanlan
October 20, 1922 - September 29, 2020
Obituary
Grace L. Ricci Scanlan died on Sept 29, 2020 in Billings from complications of COVID19. Grace was born on Sept 20, 1922 to Joseph and Josephine “Rose” Ricci in Livingston, MT. She grew up on North I Street, surrounded by a loving Italian family. Grace met the love of her life, William “Bill” Scanlan and they were married on Feb 24, 1949. Together they built a home filled with love, warmth and humor. Into that home three lucky children were born—Michele, Nancy and Bill. Faith was the cornerstone of Grace's life. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Livingston, the Catholic Daughters and St. Joseph's Circle. Grace was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill, daughter Michele, parents Rose and Joe, brothers Michael, Louie and Joe, sister Rosalie Marie and sister-in-law Marietta. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Bill and Shannon of Big Fork and daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Spencer Peterson of Reed Point as well as 6 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and greats. We all benefited from the legacy of her love. The door was always open, the coffee pot was always on and something delicious was always coming out of the oven in Gracie's kitchen. The family would like to thank the staff at TenderNest in Billings and Stillwater Hospice for the loving, compassionate care they provided. You are our heroes. Due to COVID concerns, a private family service will be held at St. Mary's in Livingston. Face masks and social distancing will be mandatory. A celebration of Grace's life will be held at a later date when it is once again safe to gather. Memorials are recommended to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Livingston. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com
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Memories
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Donalene O'Neill
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I was a little girl when I first met Gracie and all her family. Her brother Mike had passed away he was just engaged to My Aunt Ruth. The engagement was so new that we had never met Mikes family. Mike was living in Billings and my folks asked the Ricci family to stay at our house. Their whole family have always been our good friends! When Gracie & Bill lived in Livingston Grace & I were very close. I was newly married and home sick and she was always there for me. Gracie was a friend to all and will be missed by every one who ever knew her. So sorry Nancy and Bill. You had one great MOM Donnie & Sonny O'Neill
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Marie Graybeal
Other •
Nancy,Bill and families, Your whole world changes when you lose your Mother. The biggest regret is not seeing Gracie for so many years, but the greatest blessing is our wonderful memories of her as we were growing up. I can speak for all the Prim Kids when I say we loved her. God Bless, Love Marie Prim Kinnick Graybeal
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Miles Prim
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Nancy and Bill, Of course the only place to get a good plate of french fries in all of Livingston Montana was either on 3rd Street or up on the hill in Grace's kitchen! Along with Agnes and Lorraine, Grace was the third wheel in what it took to raise a village of kids! And with 21 kids between all the families it certainly was needed. These everyday"moms" handed out both discipline and unconditional love to all of us. However we know that Grace had the most gentle nature of the three! I'm sorry for your loss, but I am certain that because of your mother's faith , she now walks with the Lord! If I could give a scripture reference I would say John 14:1-4 would be appropriate. I wish your family well over all these years and the many years to come. And I'll be praying for you by name. Miles
MA
Marcia Prim Abbott
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So many memories of Gracie ... The first time I ever tasted pizza was in Gracie's kitchen with Michele after school one day. The Scanlan's lived next door to St. Mary's where we all went to school and just seemed a natural part of my childhood -- I loved them. I remember her serenity, her grace and her beautiful spirit. She was a wonderful friend to my Mom, and I picture them having coffee at the kitchen table, often with Agnes; making rosaries; Catholic Daughter meetings; Sewing Circle; and cooking big dinners at church. Gracie and Bill are my son's Godparents; and a part of my adult life too. I remember her in sorrow and in joy ... and her laugh. She was a walking-around-saint and now surely is even more so. She is forever a part of my heart. My deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your mother, the heart of every family. Sincerely with love, Marcia Prim Abbott