Jennifer Anne Beausoleil (Jenn) died unexpectedly from heart failure on September 19, 2016, with her daughter by her side. She was 38 years old.
Jenn was born September 22, 1977 in Great Falls, Montana to birthmother Kari McLean. She was loving placed for adoption with her parents Joe and Helen Beausoleil days after her birth where they brought her home to Helena to live with her big sister, Kristan.
Jenn’s childhood was filled with adventure. She loved to ride her bike and run around the neighborhood with close friends. She chased butterflies, ran lemonade stands and played outside until the sun would begin to set. She had an infectious laugh and smile that could light up a room. It was in her early years cooking with her Mom that she discovered her passion for food, making pies and elaborate cakes for her family’s birthdays.
She graduated from Helena High School in 1996 and shortly thereafter set off for Seattle, WA to attend the Culinary Institute of Art. There she earned straight A’s and was elected Class President. Jenn loved working as a chef, her passion for creating good, beautiful food was the highlight of her career. She worked at multiple restaurants in Seattle where she created signatures dishes each with her special ability to not only make the meal taste good, but also a work of art.
Jenn married her high school sweetheart, Bridger Burt on November 29, 2002. Shortly thereafter, their daughter Ella Soleil Burt was born. Jenn took to motherhood with ease. She chose to step away from her career to be a full time mom. It was the realization of becoming a mother, and the importance of family, that pulled her and Bridger back home to Montana, where they could raise their daughter around grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jenn and Bridger welcomed their second child, Finnley Bridger Burt in 2009. He was the apple of her eye. She often said the best accomplishments of her life were her children. She enjoyed watching Ella’s ballet recitals and Finnley’s talent shows. She spent much time helping at her children’s preschool centers and schools.
It was during this time that Jenn began to struggle with addiction and mental health issues. She sought assistance in many forms. She overcame multiple obstacles but peace always seemed to elude her. She and Bridger divorced in 2014, determined to raise their children as friends.
The past year, Jenn suffered from a serious health issue related to addiction. After a close brush with death, she was determined to regain her health and refocus her energy into her children. She set about making things right, both physically and with Ella and Finn. She spent the last few months of her life rebuilding the bonds of love with her family.
Jenn was preceded in death by her birth mother, Kari McLean. She is survived by her daughter Ella Burt, son Finnley Burt, parents Helen and Joe Beausoleil, sister Kristan Barbour, brother-in-law Troy Barbour, nephews Holter and Deakon Barbour and her birth grandmother Vonnie McLean, multiple aunts, uncles, cousins and many wonderful friends.
A vigil service will be held September 22, 2016 at 5:00 pm at St, Mary’s Catholic Church The Funeral Mass on September 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, followed by a reception at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
If you would like to make a memorial please consider a donation to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI.org). Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jennifer.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Thursday September 22, 2016
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Friday September 23, 2016
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday September 23, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday September 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F. H. Social Hall
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Thursday September 22, 2016
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Friday September 23, 2016
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday September 23, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday September 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F. H. Social Hall
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Michelle and Mackenzie says
My family thinks and prays for your family during this difficult time. Please find comfort knowing that the pain is now gone and she is flying high with the angels. Continued prayers to all of you
Brandy Sanders says
Dear Joe and Helen,
Words cannot express my sadness for your loss. Your daughter was so beautiful and had such an amazing way of making people feel great in her presence.
Please know that you are all in my prayers, and I and my family are here if you need anything! Much love …
Debra Ekblom and Rudy Shiner says
Joe and Helen,
I am so so sorry to hear of Jen’s passing. What a wonderfully talented woman she was. Our love and prayers are sent to you and your family.
Dee Barfknecht says
Helen & Joe,
I was so sorry to learn about your daughter…..my deepest sympathy, much love and many thoughts and prayers coming your way…..
Janet Stetzer says
Helen and Joe,
All our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God bless you with his love and peace.
Bob Brouillette says
Joe, Helen, Kristan and all who experience the loss of Jennifer so deeply. We wish, Like Simon in the Gospel, to be able to somehow share or lessen the heavy cross you are carrying this week. Many prayers are accompanying you on this station of your cross.
Dave Krainacker and Nina Heinzinger says
We are so sorry for your loss of such a special young woman. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jerry & Maureen LaChete says
Our hearts are heavy. Prayers & love to all the family and loved ones. Words can not express adequately the sadness we feel.
Nancy & Don Moos says
We are so sorry to hear of your deep loss. Please know we are keeping you in our hearts and special prayers.
Kathie Arlint says
Joe & Helen, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy Lieberg says
I will always remember how friendly and kind Jen was every time I would see her. Her energy and enthusiasm was inspiring. She will be missed. Those that she left behind who loved her so dearly, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jen is smiling in the face of Jesus. +++
Rick Ahmann says
Beausoleil Family, Friends & Loved Ones,
I can’t imagine the hole this leaves in your hearts. Please know how very much you are in our prayers and thoughts in these days. Life seems to be fleeting. but as today’s psalm says “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge”. We pray today that Jennifer has found her strong refuge and that her family, friends and loved ones may somehow know peace. +Peace be with you.
Judy Talvacchia says
John and I are so sorry to hear about Jenn. Very glad we could enjoy her when we were last out to visit. We send love and prayers! Judy Talvacchia
Kathleen Hamill says
Joe, Helen, Ellla & Finley, our hearts are breaking for your loss. When the kids were little I so enjoyed time with Jen at Jefferson playground while the kids played. She had such love for Ella at the time then Finley. We hope she has found peace. You are all in our hearts and prayers now and in the hard days ahead.
Kathy and Maury Hamill
John & Kathy Ramirez and family says
Joe and Helen, our prayers go out from our family to God for your family, to help console and fill your hearts with the gentle peace of the Holy Spirit, through your faith, as you move through this time of sadness, following the Son who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Laurie and Dennis Wiedmann says
May your family know the memory of Jen’s infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor still lingers in our hearts. May you all take comfort as God ever so tenderly and lovingly welcomes Jen to her eternal home. You are all in our prayers.
Glenna Kendall says
Dear Beausoleil family,
I am just heartbroken to hear of Jenn’s passing. I am having trouble writing without crying. Jenn was like a little sister to me and we shared so much with each other. I have lost a true friend but I know that she is in a happy place and is probably sharing her smiles and laughter, as she so easily did with everyone that surrounded her. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Helen, Joe, Kristan, Ella and Finn. God bless each and everyone of you.
Glenna Kendall
Lori Drinks says
We are very saddened for this news. On behalf of the entire TBG team, our sympathies to your family.
Joyce and Mike Krings says
Joe, Helen, and family,
As the Angels, Saints and our Loving God welcome Jenn into her eternal home, so too are they surrounding each of you sharing in your grief and sorrow, hurt for hurt, tear for tear. May the peace and presence of our Loving Lord help you through this time of trial. May the love, joy, and laughter you shared together be the highlight of your memories. God Bless.
Kathy & Tony Poelman says
Our prayers are being offered for Jenn and all her family. God please bless those with heavy hearts.
Loni Anschuetz says
Jenn was one of the most amazing cousins on the planet. I could always be myself around her no matter what. We would laugh for hours about everything and nothing all at the same time. There are too many memories to name one. I will forever have a whole in my heart from not being able to be in her presence. Much love to all of our families!
Tom Layton says
My condolences to your family at this very difficult time. I learned of Jennifer’s passing by way of Skip Beatty. May she rest in peace.
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Helen, Joe, Kristan and family,
My heart breaks for you all. Jenn was always a beautiful person inside and out. I will keep you all close in thought and prayer…
Shirley Cole says
Helena, Joe, Kristan, Ella and Finley, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Jennifer. It is always suppose that our children survive us and when that doesn’t happen, it is a very difficult time of our lives. I pray that you find peace in all the wonderful messages you have been sent from people that love Jen. How wonderful she meant so much to so many. God bless you and may He hold you tenderly in the palm of his hand.
Shirley Cole
john ilgenfritz and Sheena Wilson says
Joe, Helena, and Kristan,
I can not find words adequate to offer you comfort you over the loss of Jenn. Sheena is out of country and I learned of Jenn’s passing from Tim McCauley Thursday evening or I would have been at the memorial service.
May your faith give you strength and your memories help soften the saddness in your hearts.
john and sheena
Norma Smith says
To Jennifer’s family
May you find comfort in the knowledge that she loved you deeply and she shared that knowledge with everyone she came to know, even showing off her baby feet tattoos. She taught me to enjoy cooking, something I never thought I’d learn. Her smile is etched in my memory. I, too, am deeply sorry for your loss. She will be fondly remembered by all those who knew her.
Norma Smith
Emily Shane (Wiedmann) says
My heart goes out to Jenn’s family and children in this difficult time. I have such fond memories of our friendship in middle school. May you find comfort in knowing Jenn is now resting in peace.
Ralph Guay says
Helen, Joe and Family: We are praying for you all, with love…
Marnette Phillips says
Jen was one of our favorites! She was a good friend of our daughter Maurisa. They met when they started playing softball and remained friends for years. Jen spent Memorial Day weekend with Buddy and I in 2014. She was so much fun the entire 3 days. We all did yard work, barbecued and visited the Veterans cemetery. We talked and talked about life, family and all the struggles we all face everyday. She was a beautiful soul and adored her kids. We’re so sorry for your loss! She’s left a great legacy in Ella and Finn.
Skip, Sandy & David Beatty says
Our hearts and prayers are with Jennifer, her parents Joe and Helen, and all her family. We wish her rest and peace, and strength for her family
Gail -- CVS East says
I just read about Jenn. Words can’t begin to express my feelings. I loved when she came in and we’d have a chance to talk for a couple of minutes. I’m so very sorry for your loss but know she was cared about a lot of people.
Diane says
Joe, Helen and Kristan and family:
I am so sorry to learn that Jenn passed away. I know the heartbreak of losing a child and also how hard it is to watch them suffer with an illness. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Know that Jenn is now in God’s hands and free from her suffering. With deepest sympathy,
Diane Pedersen and Kristy, Josh and Makayla Klein. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Shelly Rusek says
To All of Jennifer’s Family:
I am SO sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing. I met her when my boys were attending Jefferson school. I should say….Ella introduced Jennifer and I. Jennifer loved her children deeply. I had the honor of getting to know Jennifer, Ella and Finley!! Jennifer will be sadly missed. Prayers ar going out to your family.
Angela, Scott and Nolan Simonson says
Finn, Ella and Family. We are so sad to hear of Jennifer’s passing. While we did not have the honor of getting to know her, we have gotten to know Finn and can only imagine the heart break he and Ella feel for the loss of their mother and other family members feel for the loss of a daughter, sister and friend. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
Paul and Becky Donaldson says
Joe, Helen and Family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you, holding you in prayer and sending our condolences.
Brigit Hemmer says
My heart goes out to all of you – please know we are keeping your family in our prayers. I remember Jennifer from our children’s choir days at St. Mary’s.
Dee Miller Sternberg says
I will truly miss Jennifer. Her smile. Her laugh. Her enthusiastic wave if she was out on her porch when I got home. Her funny stories. Her compassion. Her adventures. She sparked with life and reached out to all around her. I was her neighbor and her friend. Peace to you, Jennifer, and to your family. Peace surround you.
Marsha Alsbury says
Findley and family:
So sorry and heartsick to hear of Jenn’s passing. Fin is such a tribute to the loving care he has been raised with at home. Love to you always
Mark Ibsen says
The world will miss this amazing and talented woman. I got to know Jenn very closely.
We talked recently about her successes and her pride in her children, her culinary art, and her loving family.
God bless us every one.
I have no doubt about her being at peace.
Sad I was out of town and missed the services.
Thompsons, Trevor and Mary says
Helen, Joe and Family,
We are so incredibly sad to hear of Jenn’s passing. We know how much you all cared for her and loved her. She is at peace now. Please know you are all in our prayers. Much love to each of you. ❤️
Lorena says
I just read about Jenn…Joe & Helen I had no idea. I loved the time spent around Jenn @ work w/NASS. She always brightened the call center in the evenings. Prayers for solace for the family.