Janet Mary Strachan, 57, of Helena, died September 5, 2015. Janet was born in Helena September 21, 1957 to Margaret and Jim Strachan, and grew up in a family of five brothers, Jim, her twin brother Joel, Michael, David and Kenneth, and sister, Darcy and Step-Mother Alberta in the Helena valley. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Sunhaven (Capitol) High School. In high school, Janet ran track. She was an exceptional athlete. In 1972, Janet moved to Portland, Oregon to live with her Uncle Bill Darcy, where her mother and stepfather, Sumner Sharpe, and several of her siblings, including two step siblings, Steven and Suwanee Sharpe, lived, as well. Janet lived in Portland for most of her life; it is where her children, Leila and Zach, were born. Eventually many of the family returned to Helena, and Janet joined them, moving back to Helena in 2010.
Janet was an extraordinary person, exceptionally bright, quick-witted, and caring, deeply committed to the people and things she loved, particularly her daughter, and she had a great sense of humor. She loved the earth, and was a wonderful gardener, surrounding herself with plants and flowers she grew and tended. But most of all, Janet loved her family – her children, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, parents and grandparents, as well as many nieces and nephews she nurtured throughout their lives.
She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
A Vigil Service will be 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 9th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena. Mass will be 12:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street, Helena with the rite of Committal following at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the burial at 913 Cannon Street, Helena.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 9, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday September 10, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday September 10, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Thursday September 10, 2015
913 Cannon Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 9, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday September 10, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday September 10, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Thursday September 10, 2015
913 Cannon Street
Helena, Montana 59602
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Paddy Ferriter says
I am missing my dear friend Janet. Her loud laugh, curious mind, sharp humor, loving heart, unwavering loyalty and wonderful ways. She taught me so much about music and how not to drown my plants. When Janet moved to Portland we cried and cried. Janet wanted the world to know how much she loved her baby Leila, her proudest moment. Janet always shared a ‘Leila story’ and once played a tape for me of Leila singing in the Harvard choir. Absolute magic and Janet beamed from here to the moon. Janet was an inspiration to me and I will never forget her. She was one in a million. Love and Peace to Janet’s family.
Michael Wells says
Janet was a bright spirit, always straightforward about her thoughts and caring for everybody. She was a talented gardener and had an artistic eye. Love and sympathy to her family.
Inez Bauer says
I’m sorry to hear about Janet’s death. I was only familiar with Leila when I was her third grade teacher. Hello to Leila and God’s blessings during this sad time. It would be nice to get reacquanted.
Christy Zeitner Meyer says
I have so many fond memories of Janet and her family, growing up in the Helena Valley. Time definitely got away from us but was so happy that I recently got to visit withher again. Visiting with her and thinking about the things we did together brings warm memories and a smile. My sincerest sympathy to the family.
Merlyn and Linda Huso says
Joel, we are so sad to hear of your loss of your sister Janet. We did not have the privilege of knowing her but wanted to express our deep sympathy to you, and your family.
Pray God ‘s Blessings at this sad time.
Your neighbors,
Merlyn and Linda Huso
Larry & Catherine Shadbolt says
Margaret and Sumner,
We are saddened to hear about Janet’s passing. We’ll your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you both,
Larry & Catherine
Donna McCauley Bley says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Donna McCauley Bley
Bonnie Bowler says
I was ok at the service today until I saw Paddy Ferriter slip into the pew a few rows ahead. Then I remembered the friendship that Janet and Paddy had over the many, many years, and my heart was saddened for all of you who loved Janet so dearly. I hope that Janet is at peace at last. What a sharp-witted and delightful child she was as an eighth grader–one of the unforgettables. You, too, Joel. Bonnie–AKA Mrs. Swor
Anne Beneventi says
Janet, with her larger than life passion, was a strong influence in my youth, in our coming of age. She turned us on to the Rolling Stones, the combination of coffee and chocolate and how to do a back handspring. My memories of Janet include laughter and when she told us she was moving to Portland, we listened and cried to Cat Stevens “Now that I’ve lost everything to you, you’re gonna start something new, it’s breaking my heart you’re leaving, baby I’m grieving…” so now we’re grieving again at the loss of this beautiful spirit and friend. Sending my love to all the Strachans.
Scott Snedecor says
My brother told me today 10/11/15, that Janet died. Our friend Bruce Weber died just last year. I remember providing support for Leila and Janet when Leila was young. I last saw Janet shortly before she moved back to Montana. We had Mexican food at El Tapatio on 82nd. She had so many struggles in her life. I am hoping her last years in Montana were somewhat peaceful. l loved her and Leila and will miss her as I have since she has moved from Portland. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family, especially Leila, Margaret, Sumner, Steven, Suwanee, Darcy, and Kenneth, all of whom I knew as the Portland contingent of the family. God bless her soul. I will miss her.