Jewel Leslie Hurley, 94, died on April 8th at the Legacy Assisted Living Center where she had resided for the last six and a half years. Jewel was born to Lester Leroy Stanley and Helen Bennett Stanley on December 18, 1927. Jewel graduated from Helena High School where she was the president of the girls H-Club and a three-year letterwoman.
Jewel married Leonard (Joe) Floyd Hurley on November 11, 1950 at the Saint Helena Cathedral and the two had almost 72 years together. They had three children: Patrick (of Helena, MT), Kim (of Medford, OR) and Kathy (of Vancouver, WA).
Jewel’s love of sports brought her to women’s softball. Jewel was an avid fast-pitch softball pitcher and player. Jewel played for McGaffic’s team in 1948 and 1949. Jewel also played for the Freezers softball team from 1950 to 1954, winning state championships in 1950 and 1954. As the ace pitcher for the Freezers, Jewel had 100 career wins with only fifteen losses. She pitched six no-hitters, dozens of shut-outs and struck out twenty batters in a seven-inning game. Jewel was inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 for her pitching accomplishments during the 1954 Montana State Championship as part of the Freezers team. Jewel was instrumental in developing the underhand windmill pitching delivery used today in women’s softball leagues. Once finished with her softball career, Jewel and her husband, Joe, went on to start and coach the Valley Angels pee-wee league baseball team. Jewel also had a wonderful career working in education at Rossiter Elementary School as a paraprofessional from 1978 to 2001. During that time, she was a formidable force as a supervisor on the playground and assistant in the nurse’s room. While students knew that Mrs. Hurley meant business, they also knew she was always looking out for their safety and health. Additionally, she was an instrumental advocate, along with her close friend, Marcella Burke, in the development of Sierra Park on Rossiter’s site. In commemoration of her efforts, the Jewel Hurley Pavilion was built and dedicated in 2009 and stands as a testament to the wonderful legacy she leaves behind to future generations of children and their families.
Jewel is survived by her husband, Leonard (Joe), children, Patrick Hurley (wife Jeannie), Kim Hurley (wife Kati), Kathy McNicholas (husband Dwayne), grandchildren, Shawn Patrick Hurley, Justin Hurley, Christopher Hurley, Jonathan Hurley, Sara Hurley, Nicole Peninger, Colleen McNicholas, and great grandchildren, Luke & Jewel Hurley. Jewel is preceded in death by her parents, Lester & Helen Stanley, brothers, Jack and Jerome Stanley, along with her sisters Junerose (Dede) Woods and Joy Cronin and granddaughter Bobbie Hurley.
A private service will be held graveside on April 22, 2022 at the Fort Harrison Veteran’s Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Dave Anderson says
Pat. My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family. She was doing pretty well the last time I saw her. Playing bingo and hoping for a winner game. Be strong in your time of loss.
Rita Pikkula says
Many fond memories from Rossiter. Our sympathies.
Gale and Rita Pikkula
Steve and Jackie Sampson says
Pat and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful lady. Still remember the fun times at Bob’s cabin and all of us playing softball.
Julie Clay says
Jewel was such a great lady. We were all a little terrified of her as kid, but she made sure we were completely safe. She was strict but very kind. I always respected her ability to help children. She loved Rossiter and the Sierra Park area. As I grew up and got to know her through Shawn, I admired her even more. My condolences to all of the family. She is blowing her whistle at someone in heaven now.
Becki Wallace says
I am so sorry to hear that Mrs. Hurley has passed on. She was a wonderful lady and I liked her very much. I am very sorry for your loss, as I understand the pain of losing a mother.