Louise Margaret Murray

Louise Margaret Murray was a strong, unique woman. She passed away quietly on Sept. 24, 2023, in Billings, at the age of 80.

She was born on Oct. 22, 1942, spending her formative years in Springfield, Massachusetts, with her parents, Troy and Gretchen Murray, and her four siblings, Troy, William, Mary and Christopher. She went on to attend the College of New Rochelle, run by the Ursuline sisters, and obtained a master’s degree in French literature from Tufts University. In 1967, she married William Fitzgerald in Springfield. They soon moved to Billings, where Louise lived for the duration of her life.

She is survived by her son Jason Fitzgerald and his wife Ruchi, her grandchildren Jaya, Rohan, and Janav Fitzgerald, and her daughter Anna Fitzgerald — all of whom are deeply blessed with the memories of a mother and grandmother who never missed an opportunity to help them and celebrated each of them lovingly and uniquely.

Louise worked as a French teacher before serving as a substitute teacher in Billings Public Schools. Moreover, she was a talented, prolific artist in many mediums, as well as a published poet. She also loved to speak French, swim, cook and care for her cats. As a devout Catholic, she played an important role in her church, Saint Patrick’s Co-Cathedral. Louisa, as some friends called her, prayed every day for her many loved ones. Her great courage was evident in how she dealt with a difficult illness that marked her entire adult life, coming out ahead by the time of her death. She shared her considerable wisdom at NAMI meetings and drew strength from the many support groups in Billings. The multiple people touched by Louise’s grace and her feisty sense of humor will mourn her passing.

A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., in Billings. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, also at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.