On April 19 at nearly midnight, Genevieve Ellen Morgan, our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and Morgan family matriarch passed away peacefully after a brief illness at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana.
Gen was born at home in 1928 to immigrant parents Joseph Basti of Italy and Mary Fende Basti of Slovenia in East Helena, Montana. Her early years in East Helena included tending the family garden for flowers for the parish church and canning produce with her sisters and mother for the long Montana winters. She occasionally ventured out to the old Broadwater Hot Springs with her aunt Angela and found herself huddled under the kitchen table with her mother and sisters during the 1935 earthquakes. She graduated eighth grade in 1942 with 5 other students from the old St. Ann’s Grade School, and made the move to Helena High School, where she graduated in 1946.
After graduating, Gen went to work at the Montana Industrial Accident Board (Workers Comp), until fall of 1948 when she married our father, Robert F. Morgan. The first offspring of that union was Jeanne in 1949; followed by Bob in 1951, Tim in 1955, Tom in 1957 and Sue in 1963. Along with raising these children, another birth occurred: the emergence of her husband as a successful and accomplished western artist and historian. The old adage was about to be proven true: “Behind every successful man is a woman!” While Dad excelled in his reputation as a gifted artist, it was Mom who managed the behind the scenes work to keep the business end of things flowing smoothly. She was his biggest fan and toughest business manager. Because of her, he was able to establish himself in the exciting world of art and art shows.
The art world brought many new adventures and events into our home, including artists, collectors and dealers coming and going. This gave Mom the opportunity to showcase her fabulous cooking. Many a visitor was lucky enough to enjoy her lasagna, homemade pizza and her signature dessert, lemon meringue pie. If they were really lucky, and it was a holiday time, she would prepare traditional potica (or povitica in Butte and Anaconda) from her mother’s old Slovenian recipe.
As well as being a homemaker and artists’ business manager, Mom was also a bit of an athlete and big-time sports enthusiast. In the 1980’s, she won numerous awards and ribbons and she was quite proud of running in the Governor’s Cup 5k and 10k races, as well as races in Missoula. She was a great sports fan, and was especially fond of any local team, but especially the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Seattle Mariners. It was rare to call Mom or walk into her home and not hear or see a game of some sort on the TV. Tuned in on her final day, and just moments before her passing, the Mariners eked out an improbable victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In later years, we were treated to Sunday “happy hours” at Mom’s home, where we could all gather and share in a culinary delight and rehash events of the week and learn of what was coming up in the days ahead. Mom also enjoyed weekly “ladies’ night” activities on Thursday evenings, where a group of wonderful women gathered for wine, merriment and companionship.
For all of us in the extended Morgan family, Mom was a counselor, confidant and coach. She was always present, listening and offering her wise counsel and support. She loved unconditionally and was most concerned with the comfort and well-being of others. She taught us kindness and compassion, and always looked for the best in everyone. She loved her family and friends deeply and reached out to others and welcomed them into her heart and home. She was particularly fond of her second family at the Parrot Confectionary, where she for many years almost daily had her cup of coffee and a chocolate wedge. She knew all the staff personally, and they treated her like royalty, referring to her as “Miss Gen.” She also shared a special relationship and kinship with her longtime housekeeper and friend Tim Furshong, who she referred to as her second son.
As a first-generation resident of ethnic East Helena in the 1920’s and 30’s, Mom grew up in a tight knit community, and her early life centered around her parish church and family. Here Mom’s lifelong Catholic faith was nurtured and grew into her lovely spiritual formation. She was very private in her faith and had a deep connection with the Lord and all the Lord’s creatures and creation. She kept a prayer list with the names of dozens of people for whom she prayed daily, regardless of whether alive or deceased. She expressed no fear of passing and said matter of fact that she spoke with God every day.
Thanks to all who cared for and visited Mom in her final weeks and days. In particular, the family wishes to extend our gratitude to Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls. The loving comfort and care she received was exceptional. The kindness, compassion and professionalism of the staff helped her and our family navigate a very difficult and emotional time, and we are forever grateful to them and their wonderful volunteers.
Gen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents Joe and Mary Basti, her sister Marie Vollmer, and her sons-in-law Allen Ahmann and Michael Rieley. She is survived by her children Jeanne Ahmann, Bob Morgan (Carl), Tim Morgan (Colleen), Tom Morgan (Jean) and Sue Morgan (Dana). She is also survived by her sister, Josephine Basti Cordell. In addition, she is survived by grandchildren Rick Ahmann (Jen), Drew Ahmann (Susan), Jon Ahmann, Josh (Katie) Ahmann, Sarah Crowley (Joe), Mary (Tyrrell) Ahmann-Hibbard, Joe Morgan (Melissa), Katie Leary (Joe), Erin Morgan (Holden), Patrick Morgan (Katie) and Anna Morgan. She is survived by 18 great grandchildren, and 6 nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 27 at noon at the St. Helena Cathedral, followed by committal at the Fort Harrison Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. The family requests that all Covid-19 protocols be followed, including the wearing of masks, out of consideration of others.
Memorial donations may be made to the Montana Historical Society, 225 N Roberts St, Helena MT 59620; the Lewis & Clark Library Foundation, 120 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena MT 59601; or to Benefis Peace Hospice, 2600 15th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 PM
Tuesday April 27, 2021
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Tuesday April 27, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Helena, Montana
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Crystal and Dave Shors says
How we will miss Gen Morgan. Like so many people, we were lucky to have her friendship. We will miss her, Helena will miss her. We wish comfort to her family.
Harriette Ratchye says
Gen and Bob were our good friends for many years. We shared laughs and stories and created cherished memories. Goodbye Gen.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Nancy Tyanich says
I knew Gen from my friendship with Bob. She was always so kind and sweet. She always made you feel welcome. She will be missed.
Karen Hirst says
What an amazing tribute to this lovely, incredible woman who touched the lives of so many. You were all so blessed to be a part of her family and loved so deeply by her. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Gail DeBono says
I will always think of Gen with a smile in my heart. I can’t imagine her without a smile on her face.
Kathleen Hamill says
Dear Morgan Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mothers death. I remember her well from the Cathedral. You are in my thoughts and prayers, a mothers place in our hearts can never be filled.
Sincerely, Kathy Hamill
Allyn Ann Cummins says
She was the most gracious lovely woman. Always with a smile, especially at Art Shows!
Doug Dellwo Margi Ulvestad says
I feel happy to have known Gen, even a little. She and Bob were so kind to my family. They both made a positive difference in Helena and this continues, through their family.
Peace be with you all.
SUZANNE Wilke says
Jeannie and family, I am very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue and Randy Wilke
Ann Ripley says
Gen and I have been friends since the late ’70s when I moved to Helena and lived on 2nd Street. She has always been a kind friend. I will miss her.
Susan DePasquale says
Gen and Bob were wonderful neighbors, kind and caring, and are very missed. Peace+ to the Morgan family. Susan DePasquale and family
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Gen was one of the kindest and gentlest women I have ever known. She and her sister Jo were childhood and forever friends of my late mother in law Mary Langenfus and they got together every time Jo came to Helena. Gen was always so patient every time I ran into Bob and Joe together as Bob knew my Chinese family history better than our family did and always wanted to share historical memories he had of our culture. Gen always just smiled at me as Bob would go on, always something new I did not know about. I grew up with Jeanne and Bob, their two oldest children and they are family to me. Jeanne and her late husband Mike stood with us when we had our marriage blessed and the memories Jeanne and I share are limitless.
Mike and I are so sad that we won’t be able to attend Gens service but know the whole family will be in our prayers.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Blessings to the Morgan Family as you grieve the loss of your beautiful matriarch. Over the years, no matter when or where I saw her, she always had a smile and a kind word. There is a new angel in heaven. I send my love.
Peg and Patrick says
Sending healing thoughts to everyone in the extended Morgan family, and especially to Bob and Carl. We were fortunate enough to be included in a family meal and the hospitality of your family. Your mom was a lovely woman, strong and warm-hearted. Be gentle with yourselves.
Brad Portin says
So sorry to have never met this wonderful soul, only through her daughter. Peace to all the Morgan family.
Kim Brown says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Diane Williams says
I remember Gen was still jealous of an old girlfriend of Bob’s… that’s true love!
Dan Moody says
I was out of town and just read of your mother’s passing and I am so very sorry. Last time I saw her was at Bert and Ernies, the Art Walk. What a wonderful human being. She will be missed.
Jean Cronin says
just learned about Gen’s passing. I am so sorry, though I know she is happy to be with God and Bob. Loved having her at our dinners . I am sure the family will miss her a lot. My prayers for the family.
Colleen Rhein Carpenter says
I’ve just read about Gen’s passing as I live in Idaho now. When waitressing at Bert & Ernie’s in the early 90’s, Bob and Gen were my favorite customers to wait on, especially Gen. She would always inquire how my life was going and how I was. The world is not as bright now.