Jean Claire Grossberg Weeks, born to George and Esther Grossberg in Helena April 23, 1923, passed away on Friday, July 15, surrounded by love at Son Heaven, where she had lived for the past seven months.
Jean graduated from Helena High in 1940, and attended Mills College in San Francisco, where she made many life-long friends. She graduated in 1944 with a BA in Biology and worked as a research assistant at Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in Baltimore from 1944-1948.
During that time, she lived in Mrs. Hammond’s boarding house, where she met her future husband, William Weeks. She and Bill were married November of 1948, and their first daughter, Carol, was born in Baltimore in May of 1951. Bill’s work as an industrial engineer took them to Middletown, Ohio and then to Lebanon, PA, where their second daughter, Janet, was born in September 1953.
Jean’s father, George, owner of the Globe Clothing Company became ill, and Bill and Jean decided to return to Helena in 1954 so Bill could help in the store. Their son Christopher was born in his mother’s hometown in June, 1960.
While Bill worked at the Globe, Jean involved herself in volunteer work, which turned into a lasting legacy. Girl Scouts, St. Peter’s Hospital, AAUW and League of Women Voters were some of the organizations that benefited from her participation. She was on the Board of the Intermountain Children’s Home, and was instrumental in beginning the tradition of the Festival of Trees. The trees for the first festival were harvested from the family property in Montana City. She taught her children by example that service to your community is both a blessing and a responsibility.
When Bill died unexpectedly in 1966, Jean went to work at the Globe as president and (in her words) “handy person.” She was active in the Downtown Retail Association, Helena Improvement Society and the Montana Retail Association. In 1970, she married Leo Broudy and moved to Butte, where she made many great friends. She moved back to the cabin at Montana City in 1979. She served as a board member of Norwest Bank from 1983-89 and was a member of the Last Chance Gulch Restoration Association, working to insure that the Pioneer Cabin would be maintained in perpetuity. The Globe closed its doors in 1986.
Her retirement years were filled with good friends, good books, bridge, gardening and love of the arts. She was a supporter of the Helena Symphony, Grand Street Theatre, and the Myrna Loy to name a few. In 2010 she was honored for serving 50 years in PEO Chapter O. She was a strong and loyal friend to many, and a wonderful mom – she will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and her brother Allan and his wife Lottie.
Jean is survived by her children, Carol (Rod) Hanson, step grand-daughter Marci Hardy and her husband and children, Janet (John) Andrew and Chris (Becky) Weeks. She is also survived by her nephew and nieces Phil, Marlyn, Jo Ann and Irene, many special great nieces and nephews and her sweet dog Suzie.
The family would like to thank the staff at Son Heaven for their loving care and Hospice for their support.
There will be a social gathering celebrating Jean’s life from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, October 1st at Bert and Ernie’s. Memorials are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, 59604.
Hospice of St. Peter’s c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, 59601, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Alvin and Clare Jenkins says
Jean was a warm and gracious woman. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her family.
Gary and Marilyn Craft says
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you all and we hope that the love of friends and family will give you comfort and strength. Marilyn
John and Vicki Andre says
Such a kind, wonderful, and accomplished woman…
With sympathy,
John Andre
JUDY CARTER HINMAN says
LOVELY, LOVELY LADY. I WISH SO MUCH I WOULD HAVE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH HER AND VISITED HER. I USED TO TELL PEOPLE I WANTED TO BE LIKE HER. QUIET, GENTLE, SOFT SPOKEN – A REAL LADY. MY HEART AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. JUDY
Kathy Macefield says
Jean was also a founding member of the Lewis and Clark County Historical Society with Dick Wall and Harriett Meloy.
Myrna Omholt-Mason says
I have many fond memories of Jean. She was such a wonderful person-and will always be remembered with love.
Phil & Elizabeth Gunn says
We always enjoyed our meetings with Jean. She was a truly fine lady.
Robyn Hand Toles says
Jean was a very compassionate and Stately woman that made a difference in people’s lives that she touched. She will be missed.
Love you
Thomas McKeever says
When I was a homeless teenager Jean took me in for a short time, fed me and gave me work. She showed me the kindness and generousity of a guardian angel that has stayed with me my entire life. I have grandchildren now, the light that Jean gave to me lives on and has been passed to many. All glory to our Lord Jesus Christ
Tracy Phares says
Jean was such a warm, classy, and intelligent woman. She was a wonderful Mother in law to Becky and I know she will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you all.