Mary Margaret Montalbano Bains "Ty"

Mary Margaret Montalbano Bains, a native and resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully Christmas morning at her residence. Mary Margaret, affectionately known as “Ty” was born on March 14, 1941, to parents Carl and Rose Montalbano.

She graduated from St Joseph’s Academy in 1959. Following high school, she spent time growing her faith with the Sisters of St. Joseph. She felt the call from God for the holy sacrament of marriage and chose to enter back into the lay world where she graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a degree in education. God fulfilled his promise of marriage when she met her spouse, Frank, and they were married August 16, 1969. 

As a teacher in the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, Mary Margaret touched many lives over the years at St. Thomas More, St. Jude, and St. Michael High School. She and Frank embodied the love of Christ and their love for teaching by being active members of their church parish, school, and home Bible studies. She truly loved her students and poured her heart into advocating for their success. Mary Margaret was dedicated to her husband and family. When her husband lost his sight, she was his eyes so he could continue his role as deacon at St. Jude. She loved her children and her grandchildren who were her heart and soul, proudly attending sporting events, school trips, and many graduations and weddings. She was overjoyed to see the birth of two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Rose Montalbano and her brothers Mickey and SJ Montalbano. She is survived by her spouse, Frank Edward Bains, III, and her children and spouses: Alison Bains Williams (Chuck Williams), Amy Bains (Sebastien Motto), Kasey Bains (Dr Grady Fortner). Additionally, she is survived by eight grandchildren: Corey Williams (Maggie McCool), Nick Williams (Rashae Boyd), Jake Williams, Bradley Williams, Aidan Roberts, Ashtyn Roberts, Rose Fortner, Rowan Fortner, two great grandchildren: Ralphie McCool-Williams and Frankie McCool-Williams, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.  Pallbearers will be Corey Williams, Nick Williams, Jake Williams, Bradley Williams, Aidan Roberts and Ashtyn Roberts. Honorary Pallbearers: Rose Fortner and Rowan Fortner.

Visitation will be at St Jude Catholic Church 9150 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Tuesday, January 2nd, 9 am—11 am, followed by a Funeral Mass conducted by Father Trey Nelson. Her ashes will be interred at Saint Joseph Abbey in St Benedict, Louisiana at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.