Patricia Rosemarie Balan

It comes with great sadness and great respect that the family of Patricia Madore Balan, 73, announces the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother on the afternoon of November 12, 2025. Pat lived with significant pain for more than 20 years, yet she faced every day with strength and determination. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, pain-free, and watching over her family from above. Pat was born on February 1, 1952, the only child of Wilfred and Helen “Ladouceur” Madore of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada. Her family came to Butte when Wilfred, a miner, found work here—planning to stay only six months or maybe a year. Butte quickly became their permanent home, the place where Pat grew up, built her life, and ultimately chose to stay for the rest of her days. One of the most special parts of Pat’s life was the time she spent at her parents’ antique shop, Copper City Antiques, on Montana Street. Anyone who knew the family remembers the shop well—its treasures, its stories, and the unique character it brought to the neighborhood. Those memories remained close to Pat throughout her life. Pat attended school in Butte and worked various jobs until she found her true calling at the Rahn House, where she spent 14½ years doing what she loved most: helping people. During that time, she formed deep, lifelong friendships. She had four women she lovingly referred to as her “sister friends”—Robbie Knight, Susan Chavez, Linda Raiha, and Rosie Holodnick. Their bond and support meant the world to her. Susan’s passing in 2023 was a loss Pat felt deeply. Pat married twice during her life. Though both marriages eventually ended, she remained close friends with her second husband, Pete Balan, and valued the lasting friendship they continued to share. In a note she left behind, Pat wrote that Pete was the love of her life, a truth her family honors with great respect. Animals were a huge part of Pat’s life. She loved them deeply—often jokingly asking why people didn’t bring horses and cows inside during the winter. Her heart dog, Koda, was her constant companion, and the family takes comfort knowing they are reunited now. Christmas was Pat’s favorite holiday. She loved opening her home to family and spoiling everyone with gifts. As the family grew, the mountain of presents under the tree seemed to grow right along with it—though somehow the number of seats in the living room never did. The front room would fill from wall to wall with gifts, and every year furniture had to be rearranged just to squeeze everyone inside. Those Christmas mornings remain some of the family’s most cherished memories. Pat’s greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She was blessed with three terrific children: Cory West and his wife Karrie, Laura West, and Scott Balan and his wife Ashley. Her grandchildren were the light of her life: Shyanne West, Parris West, Cory West Jr., Cody West and Kooper West (“The Twins”), Christian Shock, Aiden Roach, Keagan Roach, and Marcus Balan. In her final years, Pat met several special Nurses and CNA’s who cared for her with compassion and kindness. She wanted them to know how important they were to her, and her family extends heartfelt thanks to each of them. Patricia will be remembered for her giving spirit, her loyalty, her traditions, and the deep affection she held for her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. She will be terribly missed by everyone who knew. Cremation has taken place, and she is now at rest. Funeral services will be held on November 21, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 329 W. Mercury Street, Butte, MT 59701. Visitation will take place from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus located at 224 W Park St, Butte, MT 59701.

Tributes

Patricia Rosemarie Balan

February 1, 1952 - November 12, 2025