Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Evangelyn “Van” R. Heaney, 94,
died at her home of natural causes on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Her family who
cherished and loved her deeply were by her side. Evangelyn was born on June 22, 1916 in Red Lodge, MT. She graduated from Carbon County High School in Red Lodge, MT and entered St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, KS graduating with honors in nursing.
From that point on, she used her nursing skills and caring demeanor to assist and care for many patients. She taught nursing at St. Vincent’s in Billings and St. John’s in Helena. She also served as a nurse at the VA Hospital at Ft. Harrison and also as a surgical nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital from which she retired.
In 1941 she married James Thomas Heaney. They had five children that were the
true treasures of their life. Evangelyn had a rich life and her family was the focus of her love and caring and brought sunshine to all her days.
In later years, Evangelyn was well known for taking her walks near the VA Hospital and playing intense pinochle games with her special friends. Her birthday was always a highlight as her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would come from all over to join her for her celebration.
Evangelyn was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, husband James Thomas Heaney, two sons, James M. Heaney, Thomas J. Heaney and grandson Thomas Edward Heaney. Survivors include her daughters Sue (Don) Boone (Helena) and Barbara (Ron) Marcoux (Helena) and son Chuck Heaney (Helena) and daughter in law Susan Heaney (Renton, WA) and Glenda Heaney (Helena). Her grandchildren Mike (Janet ) Boone (Superior, MT), James Boone (Helena), Charlie Schmidt (Missoula), Melissa Heaney and Chad Engan (Gt. Falls), Jim Heaney (Renton, WA), Jack Heaney (Renton, WA), Sherri (Shane) Maharg (Helena), Kurt (Robie) Marcoux (Helena) Vanessa Razee (Harrisburg, OR) and Josh Thenhaus (Renton, WA) and 11 great grandchildren.
To our dear loving Mother – We thank the Lord that we were so blessed to have you for as long as we did Mom. We love you so and you will be missed forever. We thank you for teaching us to live life honestly, respect others, help those in need, and to work hard and do our very best.
Special thanks to Dr. Kreisberg, nurses on surgical floor and grand-daughter Sherri Maharg for all of their care and compassion.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at the Cathedral on Wednesday, April 13th at noon.
Memorials in her honor may be made to the charity of choice by the donor. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.retzfuneralhome.com
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Pam & Charlie Brown says
Dear Heaney Family ~
We are so sorry to hear about your dear sweet mother. She was always such a wonderful and special customer when she came out to State Nursery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish all your memories.
May God Bless,
Pam & Charlie Brown
Tammy Ryan says
Please know that I have been thinking about you every day during this sad time. Hugs to you. Sincerely, Tammy
Art and Debbie Marcoux says
We may not be able to be there but our prayers are with you.
Brian & Jean Peacock says
Dear Sue,”Chucky”,”Barbie” and families,
Van certainly had a very full life and we hope that all your fond memories of her will comfort you in the times to come. I will always have the good memories of growing up with you all on “Williams St.”
God Bless,
Brian & Jean Peacock
Kitty Thomas says
Aunt Bab, Uncle Ron and Charlie,
I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you all.