Geraldine (Gerri) O’Leary died June 26, 2023. She was born in Helena Mar 28, 1930 to Oscar and Lilly Mae (Peterson) Ogran. She grew up in Helena, and went to Emerson and Central grade schools and graduated from Helena High in 1948. During her high school years, she worked at the Marlow and Antler Theaters, the Parrot and Western Life Insurance Company.
On Feb 2, 1952, she married Francis (Tex) O’Leary. They were blessed with three great children – two sons and a daughter. They enjoyed camping, fishing and horse racing. They were married 33 years before Tex’s death in 1985.
Gerri worked for several insurance companies and the Department of Labor. In 1969, she went to work for the Federal Department of Agriculture. In 1971, she transferred to the Veterans Administration at Fort Harrison. She retired on Jun 2, 1990. After retirement, she worked for her cousin, Julie Proul and Uncle Ben Holmes at the Gold Bar.
She belonged to National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) and AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, volunteered at several places in town and played bingo at the Senior Center. She also enjoyed working in her yard and flower garden.
Gerri was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tex, brother Keith Ogren, eldest son Pat O’Leary and step-daughter Karen O’Leary. She is survived by her daughter Jeanne (Dennis) Haser of Billings, son Mike (Cynthia) O’Leary of Missoula, grandchildren Erik (Andrea) Haser of Surprise, AZ, Lance Haser of Billings, Chris (Bri) and Ryan O’Leary of Missoula, Brittni and Kelsey O’Leary of Helena, six great granddaughters – Quinn and Kohlsyn Haser, Hailie, Hannah, Hayden and Brecken O’Leary, two great grandsons – Zack Haser and Brigham O’Leary, cousins and in-laws.
A Graveside Service will be held on September 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Forestvale Cemetary. Cookies and coffee will be served at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke social hall immediately following the Graveside Service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St Paul’s United Methodist Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice.
Rick McAlmond says
Mike and Jeanne, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, your mom was always very nice to me and my family growing up in the neighborhood
Michele and Jim says
Jeannie and Mike, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I have so many fond memories of her. She treated all of us like we were her own. She will be missed by many. Know that you and all your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Big Hugs and Love Michele & Jim O’Donnell.
George Nelson says
I’m very sorry for your loss Jeannie and Mike. What a wonderful person your mom was. I have so many fond memories.
Shelly Elizabeth Proulx says
Jeanne, Mike and all of the kids, grandkids and spouses. When Gerry passed I knew we had lost another matriarch in our family, with much respect to cousin Joyce. Since 1970, I cannot remember a holiday, weekend or function in Helena that Gerry wasn’t a big part of. Gerry was also there, always bringing joy , her pistachio jello and some laughs and opinions to Julie’s kitchen table..she was a wonderful woman on many levels and we will miss her dearly. I will think of Gerry with love and thanks for the countless memories and her , strong, determined and thoughtful presence she demonstrated to our family and countless friends and Co-workers she touched. She was a woman of grace and integrity and May she rest in peace. Thinking of you Mike and Jeanne and all the kids. Love you, cousin Shelly P.
Connie and Tim Ferriter says
Jeannie, Mike and families, I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a great lady and full of life. Our prayers are with all of you. God Bless
Michele (Brown) Reinhard says
I’m so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I have such fond memories of her, she was always so kind to me. I chuckle at the memory of she and I sitting home at her house on a Friday or Saturday night watching baseball when I was dating Pat and he was out and about with the guys. I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to catch up with her and you, Jeannie (unfortunately when Pat passed). I always loved Gerry, she was such a special person and will be so missed.