Janet Beagles, a lifelong resident of Montana passed away on March 8, 2020 at Beehive Homes of Helena. She was the daughter of Frank E. and Mae (Grant) McDonnell, and the granddaughter of James J. Grant, one of Montana’s first territorial marshals.
Janet grew up in Great Falls, graduating from the Ursuline Academy in June 1946. She received a bachelor’s degree in Bacteriology from the [now] University of Montana in 1950. At the UM, Janet was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She interned as a medical technologist at Saint John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, NY then worked as a med tech in Billings, Great Falls, and Fort Harrison in Helena. She also ran the Red Cross blood bank.
Janet married Philip Beagles on March 2, 1957 in Great Falls. They made their home in Butte, Montana where they raised their five children. After living in Butte for 50 years, Janet and Phil moved to Helena to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Janet was involved with many organizations during her lifetime. As a youth she was a Girl Scout and continued scouting activity to become the leader for her daughters and then serve on the board of directors for two years. Janet supported her children’s varied interests becoming involved in 4-H, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and school activities. She stayed active in Kappa Kappa Gamma and served as President of the Alumni in Butte. She served at all levels of Copper City Women’s Club and was a member of Junior League and Young Republicans. Janet also enjoyed playing bridge and had a great group of friends that played cards for many years. She was active at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Butte and at Saint Mary Catholic Community in Helena.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, four infant brothers, her husband Phil, and grandson Shawn Berry. She is survived by her sons, Grant (Ellen) Beagles of Lewisville, TX, Stuart (Karla) Beagles of Helena, and David (Jeannette) Beagles of Great Falls, her daughters, Marie (Paul) Stark and LeeAnn (Jack) Berry, both of Helena, and her grandchildren, Kathleen, Grant (Jessica), and Philip Beagles, Marty (Kara) and Nick (Tiffany) Burckhard, Ian and Amy Beagles, Megan (fiancé Collin) and Jamie Berry, and Alicia (Ben), Andy and Addison Beagles and 10 great grandchildren (with the 11th on the way).
On Monday, March 16, 2020 the family will greet friends at 4:30 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena followed by a vigil at 5:00. A mass to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Saint Mary’s with a reception following. Interment will follow in Great Falls beside her parents, brothers, and grandson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the charity of donor’s choice. Janet’s heart was always with Saint Mary Catholic Community, Helena Food Share and God’s Love. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Janet.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Monday March 16, 2020
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Lower level of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Mount Olivet Cemetery
2101 26th St S
Great Falls , Montana 59405
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Monday March 16, 2020
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Lower level of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Tuesday March 17, 2020
Mount Olivet Cemetery
2101 26th St S
Great Falls , Montana 59405
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Dan Krzan. 406-490-9683 says
Dave, Jeannette and families
My sincere condolences to you and your families.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your mother, she was great lady.
I have very fond memories of her, in our early years growing up in the neighborhood.
Moms’ have a special place in lives and No one or thing can replace them.
May your memories of her give you peace and comfort.
You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers
Thinking of you
Dan and Diane Krzan and family
Joni Brooks says
I’m so sorry Jan has left us! She was such an awesome
lady. I think of her every time I look at the picture she gave me, I will remember her always. Condolences to
her family, may God hold you all in his hand during this time of great sadness.
Wanda Swann says
Was thinking of Janet a few days ago. What a cool lady! Wish we had stayed in touch when she moved to Helena. May the great love she had for her family sustain you.
Michelle Anderson says
So sorry for your loss…. thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Anderson
Diane Sharon West says
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of your beautiful Mother comfort you always. I have very fond memories of Janet, she and my Mother Jean were very good friends and were always there for each other over the years. Your Mom was an inspiration to me in her faith and love for her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane
Kathy Gottfried Johnson says
Grant, Marie, David, Stuart and LeeAnn, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember when you all visited us at the farm, and later when Grant came to stay during harvest the summer 1970. I was so excited to meet new cousins. I knew Uncle Frank and Aunt Mae from our visits to Great Falls. Although I only saw Janet the one time during your visit I was fascinated by her. My mom spoke often of her McDonnell cousins, Janet and Jane. Please know you are all in my prayers.
God’s peace and blessing to all your families.
Morgan burckhard says
Really missing you nana. Heaven has received a beautiful angel. I love you so much