Francis ‘Theresa’ Quilico Mcdonough

Theresa McDonough died on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Theresa was born on Feb. 6, 1926, in Red Lodge, to Frank and Katie Quilico. She graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1944 and the University of Montana at Missoula in 1948, where she majored in sociology and economics. She loved college, particularly enjoying the company of her Alpha Phi sorority sisters.

After college, she returned to Billings to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 1950, she met Jim McDonough. The two married in St. Patrick's Church in July 7, 1951. She became a homemaker and had two children, Jim and Mary. Over the course of their 55 year-long marriage, Theresa and Jim traveled all over the world. They spent winters at their Florida home, where they had many wonderful friends.

An accomplished musician, Theresa found great joy in music throughout her life. From an early age, she played piano. But her real passion was the drums. She played drums in her high school band and the local Drum and Bugle Corps. She was especially proud of her Italian heritage, loving all things Italian. An outstanding cook, she enjoyed making pasta sauces, often spending the entire day refining her recipe to get just the right flavor. Passionate about politics, she was a devout Democrat. She loved animals supporting many causes to ensure their protection and conservation. She enjoyed shopping, reading and theater. Her family and friends will remember her for her elegance, immense grace, good manners, loyalty and compassion. She was also a devoted mother to her children, who will dearly miss her.

Theresa was a longtime member of the Hilands Club, the Petroleum Club, BPOE and St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jim; her parents; and numerous beloved relatives and friends. She is survived by her son Jim of Missoula, and daughter Mary of Marina Del Rey, Calif.

Memorials may be made to: James B. and Francis Theresa McDonough Presidential Scholarship, University of Montana Foundation, PO Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159; BACET, PO Box 31158, Billings, MT 59107, or a charity of one's choice.

The family honors Theresa's wish not to have a funeral. We will, however, celebrate her life. So if you're a friend of Theresa's, old or new, please join us for an informal gathering on Tuesday, Dec. 20, between 2 and 4 p.m. at The Billings Petroleum Club.