Patricia Ann Britzius Fairhurst Marceau

Patricia Ann Britzius Fairhurst Marceau passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on 26 Aug 2022. Pat was born on 4 Aug 1928 in Harlowton, Montana, to James and Laura Britzius, a year before the Great Depression began.

Although life was often difficult, Pat had very fond memories of her childhood. She often told stories about Christmas’s spent with extended family and the candle-lit Christmas tree and stuffed goose or turkey.

In 1942 the family moved to Three Forks where Jim was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad. Pat was 14 at the time and not too keen to be uprooted away from her friends and extended family. Pat quickly adapted to her new life and enjoyed her cheerleading, typing, shorthand and movies at the Ruby Theater. She soon met her future husband, Thomas Fairhurst, who had returned from Kemper Military School. They were married in Butte on 20 Oct 1946.

Pat created a wonderful life for her family. She and Tom raised their three children, Elizabeth (Beth), Sharyn and William (Doug) in Three Forks. Pat and Tom took over running the historic Park Hotel from his parents before moving into a house they built in the 1960’s. They spent many, magical vacations at their cabin on Cliff Lake swimming, boating and picnicking. Pat was the epitome of style, grace and tenacity; she was a role model and inspiration to her family. She stepped out of social norms and took a job outside of the home and eventually became the only female cement inspector in the country. She finished out her career working in the office in Trident for the Ideal Cement Company. Pat lost her beloved husband Tom at the age of 54 in 1982. She went on to meet her soulmate, John Marceau, in 1987 and spent 35 happy years with him.

She is survived by her husband, John Marceau; her children, Beth Hart of Missoula, MT and Doug (Donna) Fairhurst of Three Forks; her grandchildren Beverly (Jim) Williams, Arnie (Jamie) Andersen, Lisa Prakash, Andy (Becky) Andersen, Jennifer (Brad) Taylor, and Aaron (Lori) Andersen; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her step children Cathy Marceau, Curt (Cindy) Marceau, Scott Marceau, Mark (Jesse) Marceau, and Todd (Cindy) Featherly; 11 grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Fairhurst, sister, Joyce Cooper, daughter, Sharyn Andersen, great granddaughter, Piper Taylor, and step-son Michael Marceau.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service for family and close friends will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 17 Sep, at Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Three Forks Trail System online at https://www.threeforksmontana.us/headwaters-trail-system or call 406-285-3431.