Beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend. Karen Lynn (LaMoure) Mays went to be with our Lord on November 13th, 2018 after a brief but furiosus battle with cancer. Karen was born in Helena, MT to Gerald A. and Helen LaMoure on March 12, 1959. She lived in Helena all her life, and picked up some of her many lifelong friends all the way from primary school, up until graduating from Helena High in 1977.
Karen met Jimmie Mays shortly after high school and they had a daughter, Emilee June, in 1979. The couple went their separate ways, after a few years, and Karen continued raising Emilee.
She also was an “adopted” mother to many, as she always loved everyone for their own uniqueness. She saw something special in everyone. Karen was baptized at the Helena Cathedral. She received her First Holy Communion and was a part of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Community most of her life.
Karen worked for the State of Montana for 30 years, many departments. After retiring from the state she went to work for L&C County Road Dept. This is where she found her place. She was a go-to person. If she didn’t know how to do something she found out how to do it, and came back to you with an answer and a smile. Probably a funny remark too.
Karen had many loves; in youth she excelled at ballet, school sports, riding motorcycles and skiing to name a few. She spent many days at the lake and camping. Something she appreciated always was the beauty of things. How lucky she was to live and grow up here.
Karen truly was an amazing person. She made me better, taught me how kindness is the best part of humanity. How to be strong enough to handle anything. How love really is the best thing.
Karen is survived by; her mother, Helen J. LaMoure -brother, G. Edward LaMoure -daughter, Emilee J.L. Mays Bandoli (Jason Torick) and her extended family and many friends.
Her life celebration will be at the Skytop 3rd floor of the Howard Johnson Hotel, Saturday December 1st from 6-9 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Karen’s honor to Our Place, 631 N. Last Chance Gulch or the L&C Humane Society. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Karen.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday December 1, 2018
Skytop 3rd floor of the Howard Johnson Hotel
2101 E 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday December 1, 2018
Skytop 3rd floor of the Howard Johnson Hotel
2101 E 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Bononucleosis says
Your laughter and smile will always be remembered, Karen!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Emilee.
WildGoat says
Fearless Mountain’s (Karen) smile always lightened up a room and her laughter was so infectious. Thank-you Emilee for sharing your mom with us – I am so sorry for your loss.
Dawn says
My deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. I hope the words at Rev.21:4 bring you comfort. It says: “God will wipe out every tear from their eyes,and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Daniel and Tilly Pocha says
Emilee, I’m so sorry for your loss! Your are in our thought and prayers for this difficult times your going through! Remember she will always be with you in your heart! Karen was such a fun fun loving personality with a contagious smile and laughter. May the great spirits guide her home safely!
Diane Rushford says
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you Emily. I worked with your Mom at the state for many years and she was a wonderful person. She loved you and your Grama so much! I’m saddened by this news. Peace and Love to you!
Steve Hoy says
So sad to learn this sad news. I knew Karen in high school. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Suzanne Wilke says
I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing over. She was a very kind and sincere spirit. Blessings and Peace.
Sue
Tina Stewart says
Her laughter and hugs well be missed dearly. She was so accepting and caring allowing people to be who they were with no judgement only love❤Emilee is for sure her mini (even though she has been taller than Karen since she was 14😁) she always told us girls the most important thing was to just be nice❤ love and miss you Karen but I’m so thankful for your beautiful daughter❤until we meet again ma❤
Willie d says
I’m really sorry emilee .for your loss I knew your mom since 6th grade.and was lucky enough to work with her at the county.we miss her dearly she was really fun to work with and will vary hard to replace.rip karen Willie d
Mary Clark says
To Karen’s mother, daughter and family. I remember Karen from working at the hospital. She was a lovely caring person. Such a beautiful smile. I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lindy Burkhardt Bartruff says
Karen, the beautiful.
Karen, the strong.
Karen, the go-getter.
I know you have touched countless lives as you have mine since high school. My heart-filled gratitude to you and love and comfort to your family.
Diane Langenfus says
My condolences to the LaMoure family.
Laura Barr Sargent says
The world was brighter with your brilliant smile. We are all better people having known you. So sorry for those who now miss you.
Nancy White says
To Karen’s family
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Karen, My condolences