Alane Marie Rembelski Fitzpatrick

Alane Marie Rembelski Fitzpatrick, age 59, passed away on June 14, 2026, in Seeley Lake, Montana, of natural causes.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised on a ranch outside Challis, Idaho, Alane cultivated a love of the outdoors at a young age and found joy and vitality in being active. She embraced many recreational pursuits throughout her life, but she especially loved skiing. She inspired her daughters, family, and friends with her infectious energy on the slopes. In addition to skiing, she took on road biking, trail running, kayaking, and backpacking at various points throughout her life, taking her girls with her on many adventures and giving them the gift of experiences in nature.

Alane's sense of adventure led her down many paths over the years. She earned a degree in elementary education from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and remained there after graduation to devote several years to raising her daughters. Although she never had a classroom of her own, her love of teaching found its way into her family and community. She volunteered and substitute taught in her daughters' schools and played an instrumental role in their early education.

After residing in Helena for many years, Alane followed a new passion by graduating from cosmetology school in Missoula, Montana. As she reentered the workforce, she continued to cut hair and held a variety of administrative support roles, bringing her warmth, organizational skills, and work ethic to every position she held.

Her lifelong appreciation for nature and public lands eventually led her to a job with the U.S. Forest Service. Little did she know, her time working for the agency would allow her to travel and discover beautiful landscapes across much of the western United States. Some of her favorite areas included her beloved Bridger Range on the Gallatin National Forest, the Tetons of Wyoming, the lowlands of central Idaho, and the Swan Range of Montana. She dedicated 24 ½ years to the Forest Service, working as a Timber Management Specialist, Contract Specialist, and Partnership Coordinator, among other roles. Alane took great pride in being a public servant and in the many contributions she made to care for the natural spaces she cherished.

Alane applied a steadfast work ethic to everything she did, even her hobbies. Her dried fruit was legendary and unique; her Christmas ornaments popular and adorable; her refinished furniture elegant and timeless. Her thumb was so green, she could grow vegetables and flowers just about anywhere. She also had a knack for arranging her dried flowers into perfect bouquets. “Crafty” doesn’t begin to cover it!

Her kindness and big heart will be sorely missed by all who experienced it.

Alane is survived by her daughters, Ellie Fitzpatrick of Choteau, Montana, and Rae Fitzpatrick of Livingston, Montana; her parents, Ron and Muriel Rembelski of Challis, Idaho; her sister, Audrey Smith of Reno, Nevada; and her brothers, Ron Rembelski of Fruitland, Idaho, Steve Rembelski of Challis, Idaho, and Mike Rembelski of Fort Collins, Colorado, along with their families.

There will be a celebration of life at Alane’s favorite ski area, Bridger Bowl, on Thursday, August 6th from 3 PM-6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Alane's daughters suggest memorial donations to Montana Public Radio or the YWCA of Missoula or Helena. Donations to Montana Public Radio may be made at mtpr.org/donate with the comment, "In memory of Alane Fitzpatrick." Donations to either YWCA chapter may be made through their respective donation pages by selecting the "In Memory Of" option and entering Alane's name.