Linda Kelly Nolan escaped from ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease, on February 4, 2023.  Linda was born in Missoula, MT, April 7, 1951, to Dan and Betty Kelly; she joined two sisters, Danita and Pamela, and was followed several years later by third sister, Marilyn. After a move to Billings, she attended both parochial and public schools, including Billings Central Catholic High, and Billings West High. Her parents moved to Helena in 1968, and here, she attended Helena High. At an early age, Linda started work at Rocky Mountain Development Council, (Rocky), not knowing her employment there would last until her retirement.

Linda wore a lot of hats at Rocky; during her time there she worked in the Head Start Program, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, (LIEAP), Tri County Family Planning, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, (RSVP).  She became Director of the Foster Grandparent Program in 1988, and several years later, Senior Corps Program Director, and remained in that position until her retirement in spring of 2018. During her tenure, she served on the Board for the National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors. In total, she worked 48 years for Rocky and was always a champion of the organization. She had a big heart for those who were born into, or fell into, disadvantage. She loved working with local offices in the surrounding counties that made up her region, being especially fond of Butte, the city her parents were from. She loved Butte history and was working with her sister on the family history at the time of her death. She was very proud of her Irish heritage.

An unexpected benefit of Linda's work for Rocky was meeting her husband Jim Nolan, who arrived in Helena as a volunteer for VISTA, (Volunteers in Service to America). Linda and Jim were married on March 3, 1979; they would have been married forty-four years next month. Their son, Pierce, arrived in June, 1986, and their parenting adventure began. Linda took great pride in Pierce, especially his service with, and work for, the Montana National Guard. He was the apple of her eye, and she always had his back.

She was a runner, cyclist, cross country skier, and more recently a kayaker. She found bliss in her kayak, 'Nell'. She loved the Seeley Swan area in particular and spent many road trips going to the lakes with a group of friends who enjoyed the same passions. She loved cooking good meals, baking fabulous desserts, (a huge fan of Ina Garten), entertaining, good wine, and designing houses. She and Jim built four homes in the Helena area, and she loved working on the details of putting a house together.

Linda was always busy, either with work or home, but during down time, she enjoyed sitting with Jim on their porch, watching the wildlife and birds that frequented their yard. Linda loved animals of all kind, but especially dogs, and she had several. There was never an unworthy dog in Linda's mind; she spoiled all of them, and they loved her madly in return. Her dog Keenan, survives her.

Several years ago, Linda developed various mobility problems, and after receiving several diagnoses, it was concluded that she had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, a rare, progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. She endured many challenges, including losing the ability to speak or move, but she referred to it as "my journey", and handled each impact as it came. "Embrace Change" was her motto. Jim has been her tireless, and amazing care giver, aided by family, and friends, particularly Gale Anderson and Peggy Colvin, St. Peter's Hospice, Laureen Tutty, LMT, Dr. Jessica Bailey, Dr. Allen Weinert, and Dr. Eliad Culcea, Great Falls.

Linda is survived by her husband James Nolan, son Pierce Nolan, sisters and brothers-in-law, Marilyn Kelly-Clark & Dennis Clark of Helena, Pamela & Clifford McLuskie, and Danita Kelly and David White, all of Henderson, Nevada, Pamela and Cliff's children; Christi Levrant, (Rob), Daniel McLuskie, (Jenifer), Diana Jenkins, (Brian), Chantel McLuskie, and Marilyn and Dennis's children; Shelby and Elizabeth Clark. She is also survived by several grand nieces and nephews, her cousin Ann Culhane, extended family, and numerous good friends.

At her request there will be no formal service, but there will be a gathering to celebrate her life at a date to be decided. Memorials may be made to Lewis and Clark County Humane Society.