Maureen Householder

Maureen “Renee” Householder, 78, of Missoula, passed away peacefully in the presence of her two daughters on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at St. Patrick Hospital, of natural causes.  She was born on October 7, 1944 in Chicago, IL to Joseph Taylor and Blanche (Nee: Murnane) Taylor, and was the youngest of four children. 

At age 13 Renee left home to join the convent at St. Mary of the Woods in Indiana, but later decided not to become a nun. In spring of 1967, Renee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University where she majored in English with a minor in philosophy.  While attending Marquette she was involved with student government, and theater.        

On August 26, 1967 she married Vincent “Vince” Swann in Chicago, IL, whom she had met at Marquette University.  They lived in Terre Haute, IN until after their two daughters were born, and moved around a bit before settling in Missoula, MT in the early 1970s where they opened a Montessori preschool in their home, once Vince graduated from the University of Montana.  The couple enjoyed playing softball, camping, and time with family and friends.  They were also involved with the Missoula Children’s Theater.   

As a young widow Renee chose to continue raising her daughters in Montana, instead of returning to Illinois where the majority of their extended family resided.  A few years later she met Donald Householder, and they married on August 20, 1978 in Drummond, MT.  They moved from Missoula, MT and lived in Drummond for about one year before settling in Clinton, MT where the family was able to enjoy having many pets, including Renee’s first horse and most recently her beloved cat Tuxedo “Tux”.   She and Don were longtime active members of the Masonic Temples in Missoula and Drummond.  At the time of her death Renee was the Worthy Matron of Electa Chapter #7, Order of Eastern Star in Missoula. 

A loving mother and grandmother, Renee also took great and loving care of her friends and extended family.  She maintained lifelong friendships with many, including one of her dearest friends Kathy Basil, who preceded her in death, but had often said about Renee, “No matter what, she has always had hope.”  No matter what happened, Renee did her best to stay focused on the positive.   

Preceded in death by her father Joseph Taylor, mother Blanche (Nee: Murnane) Taylor, sister Margaret “Peg” Geringer, brother Joseph Taylor II, nieces Teresa Secor and Lisa Moose, nephews Joseph Taylor III, and Michael Flisk, and great-nephews Vincent Hamling, and John C. Hamling; and husbands Vincent Swann, and Donald Householder. 

Survivors include her daughters Bridget (Brett) Economides, Mill Creek, WA and Michelle (Duane) Primc, Lynnwood, WA; one sister, Kathy Flisk, Chicago, IL, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and five grandchildren, including Emma, Saila, Spencer, Hannah, and Justin. 

A funeral mass at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bonner, MT will be officiated by Fr. Jozef Perehubka at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5, followed by an Electa Chapter #7 O.E.S ceremony at the Masonic Temple on E. Broadway in Missoula, MT at 11:30 a.m. the same day with a reception immediately following.  Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5 in Drummond, MT at Valley Cemetery, located at 159 E. Mullan Trail with Fr. Jozef Perehubka officiating.