Janice L. Redmond passed away Saturday, April 1, 2017. After a year of struggling to overcome health issues, liver cancer was diagnosed the Monday prior to her passing. It was fitting that she would pass in the early morning as it was her favorite part of the day, often times rising at 4:00 AM. She would routinely wait for daybreak on the deck drinking a pot of coffee and greeting the paper carrier.
Janice was born May 6, 1938 in Enderlin, North Dakota. She was the 4th of 11 children that would be born to Clayton and Lorraine Waldhalm. She grew up on a farm in Enderlin without many luxuries so she learned independence and hard work at any early age. She graduated from high school in Enderlin in May of 1956 and was married to Donald L. Redmond on June 3, 1956. By the age of 24 she and Don had 4 small children, Teresa, Larry, Kevin and Pat.
In 1966 the young family took a bold move by packing up to move west, not knowing the final destination. With all their belongings in a U-Haul trailer and 4 little kids in an Oldsmobile Super 88, they landed in Helena. And so began a new chapter in their life. Donald began working at Montana Meat Packing Plant and, shortly after, Janice began a successful 28 year career with MPS/Blue Cross Blue Shield. She was proud of her efforts as a manager for utilization review and her work ethic was respected by her co-workers and her family. In 1986 Janice was commended for her support helping the FBI investigate Medicare fraud. She retired at the age of 55.
Her greatest passions in life were God and her family (including her beloved dog, Riley), with cooking and baking next in line. She wanted to feed the world whether it was family or a stranger. She could feed an army from scratch on a moment’s notice from a campfire or a small kitchen. As young children in North Dakota we would come home after school to fresh baked bread still warm from the oven. Her East Helena home had apple trees where no apple would go to waste. You would step in the front door and be greeted by the smell of an apple pie, apple crisp or apple sauce. When they moved to their Helena condo, the kitchen was bigger and often you could find the two of them making dozens of chocolate chip cookies, donuts, BBQ ribs, Chow Mein, baked beans, cheesy potatoes and the list goes on. Her gravy never had lumps. When visiting you would first hear, “are you hungry?” then followed by something such as, “There’s coleslaw in the fridge…”.
When learning of her terminal illness she was sad at the thought of not seeing her family or watching her great grands grow up but so full of love for her savior. She was ready to see the face of the Lord.
She would always send us away with “go home and get some rest.” Now it’s our turn, “Go home, Mom…get some rest.”
Janice was preceded in death by her grandson, Matthew Lightbody, sister, Elaine, and brother, Brian.
She is survived by her husband, Don, daughter, Teresa (Jay) Lightbody of Helena, sons, Larry (Deb) Redmond of E. Helena, Kevin (Terri) Redmond of Las Vegas, NV, and Patrick Redmond of E. Helena, grandchildren, Andrew (Amy) Lightbody of Sandpoint ID, Chase Redmond of NYC, Mallory Redmond of E. Helena, Lindsey Redmond of Bozeman, Christina (Kevin) Dunn of Helena, Sam (Taryn) Redmond of Livingston, Erin Redmond of North Bend, WA , Kelsey Redmond of SLC, and Kevin P. Redmond of Missoula, great grandchildren, Kamryn Redmond, Kyndal Lowrie, Brooklyn Dunn, Austyn Dunn, Kymber
Redmond, and Riggs Lightbody. She is also survived by sisters, Pat Hannah, Carol (Morry) Wavra, Sharon(Harley) Lautt, Jeri Dunham,Mary (Vernon Buhr, Linda (Kenny) Grant, Allison (Kevin) Killoran, brother Jeff Waldhalm, brother-in-law, Lloyd (Donna) Redmond, sister-in-law, Carol Pudwell, sister-in-law, Karen Redmond.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at St. Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. A reception will follow the Mass at Jorgenson’s, 1714 11th Ave., Helena, MT. 59601. In lieu of flowers memorials in Janice’s name are suggested to the Helena Food Share, 1616 Lewis St. Helena, MT. 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Janice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Friday April 7, 2017
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately Following the Funeral Mass
Friday April 7, 2017
Jorgenson's
1714 11th Ave.
Helena, MT. 59601
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John M Hardebeck says
212 ELM ST
PO BOX 383
John M Hardebeck says
Rest in peace Aunt Janice.
Patti Godtel says
So sorry for your loss of Aunt Janice. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb says
To the family of Janice. My deepest sympathy in the loss of this lovely lady. I really enjoyed our visits when she’d visit the doctors office. My thoughts are with you. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Janice.
Sue Rich says
Prayers for Aunt Janice and entire family. Rest in Peace. Until we meet again.
Jodi Forcucci says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all…Rest in peace Aunt Janice.
Leah Dunham McGough says
Warm and welcoming full of fun and kindness.
I loved to come to your house as a little girl the Thanksgiving holiday was best at your house.
I’m going to do my best to take your example of so many good things to do and ways to live and apply them. God speed until we meet again.
Darlene Abeyta and Dennis Abeyta says
I just loved Jan’s sense of humor. I worked with her for many years. Family and friends were important to Jan. She will be greatly missed. So sorry to all her family for your great loss. May God bless you all and give you comfort in this time of grief.
Sandi Benson & Family says
Teresa & family know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding.
Elaine Mary Marcille says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Redmond Family. Jan was a very generous and kind hearted person. She treated my daughters, Amanda, Makayla and I like family and royalty whenever we were with her. She always had the ability to make a person feel welcomed and at home. Her chocolate chip cookies and ice cream bar dessert were the best and always filled with love. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Memories of Jan will always bring a smile to our face.
Elaine Mary, Amanda, and Makayla Marcille
Debbie Cutler Kralicek says
So many memories of Jan have come flooding back. My wedding day and the little cross pin she gave me, the campouts, the potato salad, cookie recipe, the phone call when mom passed away, my last visit with her on Thursday and so much more. What an amazing lady.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. She will be missed. Imagining Jan, mom and dad, and Shirley having a great reunion.
Thoughts and prayers for all her family. She was one class act.
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars & Jim DeMars says
Teresa and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing…we are keeping you all in our thoughts and sending prayers for peace and comfort as you navigate through this difficult time.
Big Hugs,
Julie and Jim DeMars
Margo Hoare says
Jan was my boss at Medicare, but more like a big sister or aunt. She was the perfect person for the job as her integrity was infallible, and I learned so much from her including “tactful” letter writing. I will never forget our trip to the San Francisco Fraud conference – she sought out the most fun, out of the way places such as Lefty O’Doul’s and a little Chinatown restaurant where we had to bring our own beer. She was so much fun to be around! What a great loss to her family, I hope you all find the peace that she would want for you.
Karen and Bill Houston says
Teresa and family: We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. She was always giving and never expecting anything in return. We have fond memories of her at all the sporting events with the kids. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Now you have another guardian angel. God Bless You All!
Darlene Miller Scott says
In 1966, I had the pleasure of working with Jan at MPS. It was my first job after graduating and I was only 17. Jan instantly took all of us newly hired, young woman under her wing, making us feel welcome and comfortable. She was an absolute pleasure to work with, always having a huge smile and a happy story or two and was always there with a helping hand when we needed it. She was one of those people that made you glad that she was a part of your life. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, but know that she is now resting comfortably in the arms of our Lord. My your many fond memories of such a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend help to carry you through this most difficult time.
Mary Runkel says
Janice always had a kind word and smile no matter what was going on at work. I enjoyed working with Jan at BCBS. She was smart,and funny and always took the time to share her wealth of knowledge no matter how busy she was.
Her face lit up like a church when she was talking about her family. Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you Teresa, and all the family. May the memory of her laugh bring you joy.
Rhonda Robertson says
Teresa and Family,
So sorry for the loss of your Dear Mother. May all the wonderful memories you hold close within your heart sustain you in the days ahead. We pray that our Heavenly Father wrap his loving arms around you to help give you peace and comfort in this difficult time. He promises joy again one day even through your tears and sadness.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Rhonda and Bruce Robertson
Kari Janz says
Rest in peace Aunt Janice, we will see you again. Peace and blessings to all of the family, you are in our prayers.
Love, Steve & Kari Janz
Brittani & Emma Janz, Nick Rosenberg
Jon & Natalie Beckstrand, Carlos, Julian,
Daymian & Nicolas
Pamela Eldridge says
PO Box 9543
Rosemarie Hubble Tamol says
My deepest condolences to Janice’s family. I am so happy she
enjoyed her toy poodle ” Riley” she adopted from me as a puppy
several years ago. I know she loved him so and Riley had such a wonderful home. Rest peacefully Janice. Love and hugs to you Teresa. I am thinking of all of you at this time, and you are in my prayers.
Pamela Eldridge says
Don, Teresa & family and sweet Riley too..
My thoughts are with you at this time. I know it’s a difficult time for all of you. Janice was a very special lady. So kind and loving with a huge heart. I didn’t know her for long but she touched my life with her friendship and I knew she meant it when she said “I love you”. We had planned to do some cooking and baking, a mutual love for both of us, but her Savior needed her more. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to get to know her and be a part of her life. She made me smile and was a bright spot in my day each time I saw her. I will never again eat a Gyros without thinking of her. Among many other things.
Rest in Peace Janice..
Love,
Pamela
Suzanne says
My sincere condolences in the loss of your dear loved one. May you have the much needed strength and comfort from our loving Heavenly Father, who comforts us in all our trials. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
Terry Olson says
My Deepest Sympathies to Donald and the families. Janice was a real sweetheart. Rest in Peace, Janice..
Wanda Stout says
I had the pleasure of working with Jan in the late 60’s, early 70’s. She was in fact a class act. I still bake her infamous pumpkin cookies (my family’s favorite). I am so very sorry for your loss too soon but am confident she’ll be celebrating the resurrection with our Savior in person!
lila garrick says
2135 skihei road
apt 107, Kihei Hi please accept my thoughts and prayers during this time. I have so many wonderful memories of working with Jan at BCBS. love to all
Gary and Carol Haskins says
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
A memorial has been sent to Enderlin Alumni.
She was a good friend and classmate!!
Dini Scharf says
My heart goes out to each of you. God bless to all, in my prayers. It will be hard, but I know the family will be there for each other.
Nancy Dittel says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I used to live on the same block as you in West Fargo, ND. I played with Theresa and Larry, and of course Kevin and Patrick would hang with us. Been a long time, but I still have memories of you all. I live in West Fargo now, from Tappen, ND. I still go buy the old neighborhood, your house is a parking lot now for the church. The church tore our old house down also. It is hard losing a mother, lost both my Mom and Dad some years ago. May God bless you all and may your Mom rest in peace.
Connie and Tim Ferriter says
Teresa and family, we are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
Kelli Kaufman says
Don, Teresa, Larry, Kevin, Pat and families…I am so very sorry to hear about Jan. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Eck Sawyer says
Teresa and family,
My thought and prayers are with you during this time. My condolences on the passing of your mother.
Karen Eck Sawyer
Laura A Nisbet says
Thinking of you all and praying for His loving arms to hold and comfort you in this time of sorrow. May warm memories fill your hearts with peace . In His love, Laura and Doug Nisbet and families