Mary Anne Bradshaw, 79, embarked on her next great adventure--most likely to include a great wetlands in the sky--on September 3, 2021. Her leaving-taking took place at Schneidmiller House in Coeur d’Alene, ID. She was surrounded by close family.
Mary was born in Seattle, WA, to Robert M. and Fernetta P. Bradshaw. Her siblings include Joslyn Daniels, Joanne Mills (Stephen), Jeanette Marshall (“Larry”), R. Merrill (Michelle “Sunni”), Merrillee Cruz (Charles), and Maret Syberg (Christian). Mary has two children, Michael Malwitz (Kathryn) and Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson (Douglas), four grandchildren (Charles, William, Verlyn, and Merrill), numerous nieces, nephews and their children. Former spouses include James Malwitz and Mary Stranahan.
Mary had a dynamic personality and big visions, based on her life experiences. She questioned and pushed boundaries and, especially later in life, generously supported those less fortunate or in need.
Mary was a liberal environmental activist with an abiding passion for social justice, environmental protection, habitat restoration, and women’s rights. People who knew Mary recognized her gift of inspiring others to know and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
After many years of dedicated labor and activism, Mary succeeding in her life’s passion--restoring the natural landscape of three former cattle ranches in Western Montana. Along the way, Mary garnered the assistance of individuals, agencies, and organizations such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Blackfoot Challenge, Trout Unlimited, Audubon Society of Montana, University of Montana faculty and students, and neighboring landowners.
The largest of the three projects was a 1200-acre ranch which Mary dubbed “H2-O Ranch” (pronounced “H-two-bar-oh” Ranch), a play on the chemical symbol for water and the design of a cattle brand. The mission of the H2-O was to provide, through wetlands restoration, a home and shelter for wild creatures living and migrating through the area. Renewal of the natural balance resulted in a haven for wildlife and also offered opportunities for observation and study. The ranch is now run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and serves as a place for learning about the diverse wildlife of the region.
As a result of her efforts at the H2-O Ranch, Mary was awarded the Audubon Society’s Land Stewardship Award in 1999, and a Montana Wetland Stewardship Award in 2000.
Mary also talked about her time at the University of Montana in the early 1970’s where she was involved in getting an accredited women’s study program established. The program has since broadened its focus to the Women’s and Gender Studies Program.
Mary will be greatly missed by many, and her generosity of spirit will live on through the years. A celebration of life is being planned for July 2022 in Western Montana.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared at:
Gathering Us
http://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/mary-a-bradshaw/7971
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent by mail or online to:
YWCA Missoula
1800 S 3rd Street West
Missoula, MT 59802
https://www.ywcamissoula.org/support-us/ (a dedication box is provided on the form)
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” -Albert Einstein
Loading ...
