Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another ~ George Eliot
Jeannie Matthies was love. On Tuesday, May 7 she spent her last loving moments with her husband, daughter and son. She is at peace and ready to continue her work in a different way.
Jeannie “Dorothy Jean” McCreanor was born in Helena, MT to Raymond “Unc” and Dorothy McCreanor on November 24, 1948. She came into a large, loving extended family. The family was central to so many of her experiences as a child growing up in a Helena that was open to the adventures of roaming children.
Jeannie would talk about exploring the neighborhoods, playing out in the valley and of course spending time in York with her cousins, aunts and uncles. No matter where she was, there was always adventure. She has delighted us with stories of her growing up in Helena. Jeannie was an essential Helenan. It was amazing to go anywhere with her because she knew everyone, a short errand could turn long because she had so many people with whom to talk. We are hearing that some of the best times were spent as a teenager in the “Little Blue Jeep” driving around the upper west side of Helena.
Jeannie met Doug Matthies and they married on September 5, 1970. They had two children, Shannon and Nick. As a family, there were so many adventures. Traveling the state of Montana, going to the cabin, Saturday afternoons at home, being a neighborhood family on Graham Street. Jeannie did it all with a sense of adventure and fun.
Professionally Jeannie was astounding. She worked several jobs where she made life long friends before joining in a partnership at Your Adventure Travel. As a partner in the travel agency, she grew and blossomed. She was a remarkable mentor and again, formed many friendships. Jeannie sent a lot of people on great adventures, she loved hearing about far away places, yet loved the quiet of her own home and family best.
Jeannie loved her family, in recent years the addition of Meghan, Morgan, Hayes and Copper completed her. These were her “grands” and she loved them so much. She loved watching them grow and mature. Hearing about the adventures of these kids and the progress they were making was a great sense of pride to her.
Love and friendship define Jeannie. In the past two weeks we have been in awe of the lives she touched. She had so many friends and people who cared about her. She was our wife and mom, but we are so proud of the work she did with people. As a family we had some idea the impact she had on the lives of many and yet in the past two weeks we have learned the great measure of it. She sent cards, helped with food, dropped off cookies, made a phone calls; the list of her kind acts is endless. The quote at the beginning was sent by a friend and we believe it embodies her perfectly.
There is a hole in our hearts, we hope to continue the work she so diligently did. Do something kind for someone today and tomorrow and in the future that you don’t have to be recognized for, that is the greatest memorial you can give Jeannie.
Jeannie is survived by her husband Doug, her children Shannon and Pete Callahan (Meghan and Morgan) and Nick and Tina Matthies (Hayes and Cooper). Her sister and brother-in-law Leslie and Brad Smith (Jesse and Katie), her brother and sister-in-law Mike and Juanita McCreanor (Amanda, Sarah, Eric and Emily (Charlie and Vinny), her brother-in-law Dennis Matthies. She also leaves behind so many dear cousins, and amazing friends. Thank you to all of you who loved Mom-she loved you more.
A family burial has taken place. Please join us for an open house to celebrate the life of this amazing woman on Saturday, May 11th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the 6th Floor of The Montana Club, 24 W. 6th Avenue.
She always said to, “In lieu of donations, send flowers”, however we would love to have her name honored in a donation to a charity of your choice. Please make donations of kindness in her name to your favorite charity. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory or Jeannie.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday May 11, 2019
Montana Club
24 W. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday May 11, 2019
Montana Club
24 W. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Crystal Wong Shors says
Oh, that smile! She leaves such a big empty space for such a tiny woman. It was always a joy to see Jeannie because she was always glad to see us, and that was her magic. Godspeed, Jeannie.
Karen says
Doug, Shannon and family,
I am so sad to read about Jeannie. What an amazing person she was. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Rowan
Wanda Fandry says
Doug, Shannon & Nick
Im so very sorry for your loss. She was beautiful. I will miss her smile, her sense of humor & our chats. She always had the best advice. My heart breaks for you all.
Love, Wanda
Karen Bryson says
Doug, Shannon, & Nick, Mike, Leslie and families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult journey of grief.
I have so many fond memories of our childhood and yes, I remember that blue jeep!
Jeannie was a bright star in so many lives. Her love, her smile, her humor, her caring ways will be greatly missed.
Love you Jeannie!
Mary Kay Bennett says
We are so sorry!
Jeannie babysat our oldest son in 1969.
We lived across the street from the McCreanors and loved all their adventures..never a dull minute!!! She was
beautiful, smart, empathetic, loving, savvy, on and on.
She will not be forgotten.
Rest In Peace, dear one.
Mary Kay & George Bennett
Rick O’Connell says
Doug, Shannon, Nick and families. So sorry to hear about Jeannie’s passing. Will miss her infectious smile and quick wit. Our thoughts are with you.
Rick and Jan
Carol Ann (Graveley) Dagenais says
Doug, Shannon, Nick, Mike, Leslie and families: It was with laughter through tears we remember the “Adventures of Jeannie.” So much light, joy and love in one small but mighty woman! Our time with Jeannie was much too brief. Through the cracks in our broken hearts her light will continue to shine.
Jacquelyn Moore says
We grew up a few blocks from the McCreanors. Her sense of good fun is how I remember her best. She was always friendly. I know her joy of living will linger with all of her family and friends. She will stay in our hearts and in our minds. God love you all.
Tom Naegele says
Mike,Doug, Nick, Shannon & Family,
Totally saddened by the news and loss of Dear Jeannie. So Blessed to have had her in my life as she always brought Laughter & Joy in to our encounters….not to mention a mischievous nature and special twinkle in her eyes. I Celebrate Jeannie and Family and hold them in my Prayers and ask God to hold them all in His deepest Loving arms.
Colette (Buckley) Ozburn says
Doug, Shan, and Dougson (and families) – The passing of the Jean Machine is still so surreal to me, yet I feel a giant hole in my heart. My memories of Jean go waaaaay back to when Rachel and I were young kids; Doug and Dad would be on hunting trips, Shannon and Nick were waaaaay older (haha) than us – so we would be left behind with Mom and Jean. I remember spending afternoons and evenings on Graham Street, in the house that was filled with so much love; playing with the alphabet magnets on the fridge, feeling so welcome in your home. Then as we grew, both Rachel and I had the privilege of working as “airline ticket delivery girls” at Your Adventure Travel. Jeannie was so much more than a boss; she was a friend. The more I grew, Jeannie became less of just “my mom’s friend,” to “my friend” also. One of my more recent and favorite memories of the Jean Machine is when Shannon, Rachel, Heidi (Palmquist) Scanlon and I were out at the lake. We decided to canoe from the Palmquist cabin to O’Malley’s Bar for some afternoon “fun.” Well, when we arrived, we realized we didn’t have any money. So Shan and I put our brains to work and I remembered that Jean had my credit card on file at the travel agency (from my back and forth travels to Africa). But we didn’t have a quarter to use the pay phone. Shan remembered the 1-800 number, so I called and explained this “emergency” situation to Jean. I can still hear her response… “Oh, you girls.” I can picture her face – her head shaking, eyes rolling, smile on her face, as she read me those 12 digits over the phone. Jeannie – you were (and still are) SO. LOVED. I will forever cherish the memories with you. Douggie, Shan, and Nick – we are sending you all of the love and strength to help you through this extremely difficult time. We love you all.
Tom Juhl says
Doug and Family sorry to hear of Jeanie’s passing, may she R.I.P………..
Marilyn Nicolay says
Doug, Shannon, Nick, and family – We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Jeannie. Heaven has gained its newest angel. She was one in a million and will forever be remembered and truly loved by all who knew her. With our deepest sympathy.
Marilyn and Nick
Sara Murgel says
Doug, Nick and Shannon,
I only knew Jeannie as Nick and Shannon’s mom, though it is easy to see her love of people, her giving spirit, and that sparkle in her eyes, through the people that Shannon and Nick have become. I am sorry for the pain that you all feel, no words can take away that hurt. Please know that you have so many people that loved Jeannie and love you and we all can walk through these hard days to come with you.
sending so much love,
Sara (Visser) and Justin Murgel
Donna Coman says
Doug & Family, I was surprised & sadden when I read about Jeannie’s passing. I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I worked with Jeannie at First Security Bank . Your faith, family & friends will be with you.
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Doug and family,
Mike and I are truly saddened and shocked to hear of Jeannie’s passing. What a truly infectious woman she was always smiling and ready to have a good laugh. She will be missed by many. Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
Mike and Diane
Jim & Sally (Russell) Wilcox says
Doug & family
We are sorry to hear of Jeannie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during these sad days and in the days ahead..
Pam Rudio-Novak says
I am sorry to hear of Jeannie’s recent passing. I have very fond childhood cabin memories with the Matthies family and I, too, will remember Jeannie as such a kind, gentle person. May you find comfort in all your beautiful memories.
John & Betty Brewer says
Jeannie was an amazing and loving woman. She will be missed by all. Doug and family we were so sad to hear of your loss but know Heaven gained an amazing angel who will watch over you all forever. Please accept our condolences and we pray that you hold onto all the wonderful memories as there were definitely many. We lift you all up to Jesus for healing and comfort. Sending love and hugs. John and Betty Brewer
Tiffany Lyden says
Shannon and family, we are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Sending much love and comfort to you all. She sounds like an amazing human being, may her light live on in your lives.
Tiffany and family
Bill Knudsen says
My Condolences to you on Jeanie’s passing we were classmates at Helena High. I’ll always remember Jeannie as a thoughtful friendly person I will Miss her
Newell & Bonnie Anderson says
Doug & Family:
Our condolences for your loss of a very bright & warm light in so many lives. Jeanie will remain in our memories as life loving, smile provoking, sincerely thoughtful & inclusive friend. We are so blessed to have known Jeanie and know she is now organizing some new happy times in Heaven. Grace and peace be with you in this time of grief.
Molly & Bill Hobgood says
Doug, Shannon, Nick and family,
Jeannie was a marvel. She loved with her entire being…especially for her family and friends.
We send our deepest condolences along with our love.
Molly and Bill Hobgood
Susan De wolf says
It is so heart wrenching suddenly have to say goodbye to such a great and dear friend. I am so fortunate to have been part of Jeannies life. She was super smart, she was funny, she was supportive, she was loyal. She was very successful in her life, work and family alike. There was never a dull moment when Jeannie was around. A total angel – not quite. But who is? So many great memories that I am lucky to have been part of. Thank you for being in my life. We will meet again one day my beautiful friend! And it’s not that far away.
Sally & Clyde says
Jeannie organized our long and difficult trip of 26 days to Virginia, New York City, Egypt and Jordan in May 2008. She did a marvelous job for us with no problems. We will always appreciate her work and will miss her, a very great lady.
wayne kovick says
DOUG AND FAMILY,I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.JEANNIE WAS A GREAT PERSON. I NEVER SAW JEANNIE THAT SHE DIDN’T HAVE SMILE ON HER FACE AND HAVE KIND WORD . RIP JEANNIE> YOU MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE>
Karol an Jake Gustin says
Doug, Shannon, Nick,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jeannie was a wonderful and friendly woman with a beautiful smile. She will be missed. Our thoughts at this sad time. Love, Jake and Karol Gustin
Wanda Stout says
Doug and Family. I’m so very sorry for your great loss. Jeanne was such a bright spot each and every day
Sharon Baker Heigh says
Many adventures with Jeannie when we were grade school valley kids. A special lady and will be missed. Love and prayers are with you. Sharon Baker Heigh Class of 1967