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Obituary: Margaret “Juanita” Bray
Author: Family of Margaret “Juanita” Bray

Margaret “Juanita” Bray

Family of Margaret “Juanita” Bray

Margaret Juanita Bray passed away peacefully from cancer at Billings Clinic in Townsend on September 18th, 2026. Juanita was 89 years old.

Juanita was born in Boise, Idaho, in 1937. She was the only child of Donald Thompson and May Thompson and was born at St. Luke’s Hospital. Juanita grew up at her home in Boise with her mother, who worked at the Boise Military Induction Center and her father, who worked as the chief clerk to the agent for the Union Pacific Railroad. Juanita wrote of her life as a child growing up during World War II, of being an only child in postwar Boise and of her coming to the Catholic faith as a teenager. Juanita attended Boise College, where she studied Biology & Zoology and met John Larsen, who was studying Business. They met, fell in love and married in 1956. Their first daughter, Mary, was born the following year, when they graduated.

Juanita had three more children with John: Laura, Don and Kay. She was a full-time mother who always made her house a home. She continued her interests in science and history by teaching her children about gardening, animals and the history of Idaho. Juanita also taught Anatomy and Physiology at the Catholic school in Boise for 4 years when her children got older; however, she remained a teacher for the rest of her life - inside or outside the classroom. Juanita’s love of birding led to her involvement with the Audubon Society, and she passed along her passion for birding to her children & grandchildren.

When Juanita married Richard Piersky in 1972, she moved to Helena, Montana, where she eventually worked as the manager of the National Guard Credit Union for many years. She continued to take her children into the mountains to gather things like huckleberries, pussy-willows and firewood. On these adventures, she would take scientific books to teach them the history, geography and plants of each place. In addition, Juanita continued to teach her children about Jesus as the family attended Calvary Baptist Church for many years. Juanita taught Sunday School, attended many Bible studies, and supported the ministry as much as she could while working full time. Juanita also became involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution. After Dick passed away, Juanita married Donald Scott in 1992 and lived at Canyon Ferry Lake for several years. Unfortunately, Don passed away from cancer after only a few years of marriage.

Juanita rejoined the Catholic Church when she married Paul Bray in 1997. She and Paul were active with St. Cyril and Methodius Parish in East Helena and at Holy Cross in Townsend, Montana. Juanita participated in many of the activities of Holy Cross, including Vacation Bible School, Legion of Mary, Sunday School, Eucharistic Ministry, her beloved prayer group, as well as working as one of the financial officers of the church. One of the recent ministries she had was sending cards to those who were unable to attend church - a ministry she began because of the COVID crisis. She loved Adoration very much - sitting in the Presence of Jesus in His Church. Juanita loved living in Townsend, Montana and being part of its community.

Juanita was a quiet person and also full of surprises. She played piano, and her children have memories of running from everywhere in the house to dance when she played the song ‘Spinning Wheel'. She also accompanied many holiday sing-alongs, and once in a while, she played when requested. She was also a proficient painter in tole and oils, drew in pencil, painted wonderful, fun ornaments for family members & worked in embroidery and cross-stitch. She had a good sense of humor and could be very witty, had a wealth of knowledge in many subjects, and was always up for a good chat or a great debate. She loved family history and had researched the ancestry of both sides of her family back several generations. Anyone who knew her would say Juanita was quiet but solid - a woman who never forgot a birthday or holiday - never forgot her children & stepchildren, grandchildren or (20+) great-grandchildren. She demonstrated her love and care by her constant presence.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Donald & May Thompson, Richard Piersky, Donald Scott, Paul Bray, her step-sons Rick Piersky and Jeff Bray.

Juanita is survived by her first husband, John Larsen, and her four children: Mary Palmonari (husband - Joe), Laura Stevenson (husband - Mike), Donald Larsen (wife - Sally) and Kathrine Cook (husband - Will). She also survived by her Stepchildren: Bertie Piersky, Kimberly Harlington (husband - Eric), Michael Bray (wife - Ruth), and Kevin Bray (wife - Robin).

Juanita is also survived by many grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Keylee Marineau (partner - Frank), Joshua Marineau (wife - Kim), Josiah Marineau (wife - Niki), Sarah Tallwhiteman, Rebekah Dickerson (husband - Montez), Abigail Pitts (husband - Joe), David Larsen (wife - Bianca), William Cook (wife - Katie) and Lizzy Sholey (husband - Tanner). Step-grandchildren include Danica & Ian Lamphere, Vincent Bray (wife Rachelle), Rochelle Bray, Anthony Bray (wife - Amanda), Sophia Bray, Sean Harlington (wife - Candy), Bridger Harlington (wife - Rachel), Rachel Bowles and Lindsey Bowles.

Juanita is also survived by her beloved dogs Jerry and Jordan.

While Juanita Margaret Bray may never have any accolades in the world’s ideas of success, Juanita’s life reflects the eternal values that mark an enduring legacy. Her love of Christ, His Church, family, learning, creativity and endurance are reflected again and again through the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - not to mention all the friends she made along the way. Juanita was one of life’s deep constants - a person who made others’ lives better. Her community will greatly miss her.

The family invites you to pray the Rosary at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. at the church; burial will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Townsend. A reception will then be held in the social center of the church following the burial.

Memorials in Juanita’s name may be made to-

Holy Cross Church: https://www.givecentral.org/customizable-online-giving/1393-Holy_Cross_Parish

St. Jude’s: https://www.stjude.org/

In honor of her great-granddaughters: Last Chance Pow Wow: https://lastchancepowwow.com/donate/.

Please visit https://www.stevensonwilke.com to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Juanita.

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