Jean Anne Lowry, beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother of Helena passed away peacefully at home with her daughter by her side, on August 1, 2019, after a courageous ten-year battle with cancer.
Jean was born January 19, 1941, in the town of German Flatts, New York to Tyla and Harry Fetterly. She had three brothers; Harry, Harold and Richard. They lost their parents in 1945 and she was later adopted along with her baby brother Richard by Beatrice and David Harwick of Little Falls, New York. Beatrice and David had one son, James.
Jean attended school in Little Falls, New York where she graduated from high school in June 1959. On July 5th,1959, she married Duane Fels in Little Falls. They had two children, Scott and Pamela. The family moved to Helena, Montana in October 1971. Jean and Duane later divorced in 1973.
She married Glen Jenkins in 1974. Glen passed away in August 1993 of cancer. Glen was survived by his three daughters, Linda (Clint) Riis and children Vickie, Cookie, Jennifer and Jeannine, Sandy (Seth) Zupanik and children David, Lisa and Patricia and Stacy (Chris) Bullock and children Jena, Brad, Kelsey and Brian.
In September of 1994 Jean married Glenn Lowry. He passed away in November 2008 of cancer. Glenn was survived by his children Bill (Kathy) Lowry, of Billings, Montana, Glenda Lowry, Rocky Lowry and Enid (Dale) Neel, daughter-in-law Danyelle Lowry (Ken) of Helena and grandchildren Amanda, Paul, Wesley, Mickey, Derek, Joel, Wyatt and Corey.
Jean worked as a secretary for many years and had many excellence awards for her skills in typing, shorthand, leadership, and women in management. She worked for the Alcohol Treatment Center and Sage Advertising in the 70’s. She worked for Channel 12 Television Station from 1975-1978. She also worked for the State of Montana Travel Publicity Bureau and the Department of Health and Human Services from 1981-1983. Jean & Glen Jenkins then started their own trucking company, North Hill Truck Lines and Hi-Land transport which operated until 1994. During the time they had their trucking company, Jean served two terms as Chairperson for the Montana Motor Carriers Safety Management Council. In 2000 she went to work for the Montana Department of Justice Law Enforcement Academy where she remained until her retirement in 2012.
Jean loved the outdoors and Montana’s beautiful scenery and wildlife. Over the years, she did a lot of travelling and loved to take spontaneous road trips, a favorite of her and Glenn Lowry. Jean loved so many beautiful places in Montana; but, her two favorites were The National Bison Range and the Ross Creek Cedars. Jean loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up and rarely missed a birthday party, school or sporting event, and she especially loved Sunday dinners with her family. She was a good cook and passed her love of cooking on to her children and grandchildren. She also really treasured the regular lunch dates she had with her granddaughter Tara. Jean found an extended family when she joined Life Covenant Church. She made many new friends and gained a loving and supportive family as she battled cancer. She also got great comfort from the friendships she formed with members of her cancer support group. Jean was chosen as a patient of the Cancer Treatment Center to be on a panel that helped design the new CTC. Jean also volunteered her time with Rocky Mountain Development Council, forming a program helping patients after their release from the hospital. She always said she had a full life and a good life and was grateful to be able to do the things she enjoyed.
Jean was preceded in death by Tyla and Harrold Fetterly her biological parents, David and Beatrice Harwick her wonderful adopted parents, brothers James Harwick, Harry Brady, Harold Fetterly and Richard Harwick. Husbands Duane Fels, Glen Jenkins and Glenn Lowry and step son, Issac Lowry.
Jean is survived by her son Scott Fels (Jenny) of Missoula, Montana, Grandson Clifton Fels (Jackie) of Brooklyn, New York, her daughter Pamela (John) Eldridge, Grandson Justin Eldridge (Mary) and granddaughter Tara Eldridge. Her great grandchildren, Josaline Rose and John Clayton Eldridge and Audrey Grace Pritchett, all of Helena, Montana. Her nieces Veronica Harwick, Kelly and Diane Brady of New York and their children. She is also survived by her companion for the last 11 years, her beloved cat, Smokey Joe.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, August 12, 2019, at Life Covenant Church, 800 N Hoback St., Helena, Montana, followed by a reception celebrating Jean’s life. Burial will take place at Forestvale Cemetery immediately following the reception.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Hospice of St. Peter’s for the excellent care they gave to Jean and our family, Dr. Thomas Weiner and his amazing staff at the St. Peters Cancer Treatment Center for their many years of care. We also would like to thank the amazing nurses and staff on the Oncology floor of St. Peter’s for their exceptional care and compassion. A very special thank you to her pastor Keith Johnson. In lieu of flowers, Jean has requested that donations be made to the St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, Helena, MT 59601 or the charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jean.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 12, 2019
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday August 12, 2019
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday August 12, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 12, 2019
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday August 12, 2019
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday August 12, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Benjamin Prinzivalli says
Hi, I am Benjamin Prinzivalli, thats my great aunt. My dads father is Harry brady which is jeans brother. I wish all you well and send my love to the whole family. I am so sorry for you lost…..
Mark Mlekush says
I though I didn’t know Jean for a very long time, she will always have a special place in my heart. In the time that I did know Jean, she reminded my of my Great Grandmother Rose Romania. Jean and my Great Grandmother Rose always had a smile on their face and loved life to the fullest. I will miss Jean but I know I will always have a special angel watching over me an her family.
Ronn says
My thoughts and prayers for Jean’s family. Glenn and Jean were not only good people to work for but wonderful friends of my family for many, many years.
Sincere wishes, Williams’ family
North Hill Truck Lines Driver / Swiss Logistics