Anyone who knew Joan Duncan will remember her gentle smile and warm-hearted kindness. Sadly Joan passed away at her home on July 31st from diabetes complications.
She was born to Dr. Walter E. and Alcye Marjorie Duncan in Butte, Montana. She and her brother Walter had a loving upbringing. Her parents engrained in her the need for community service and care for those less fortunate. Even as a child Joan would want to help everyone, be kind and assist others to find a better way. She was a devote Catholic who not only practiced her religion but lived it every day of her life.
After graduating from the class of ’57 at Butte Central High School, Joan moved to Helena in 1958 to attend Carroll College. Within a few years she joined the Carroll College Family as the assistant to the Dean of Girls, Billie Jean Hill. Their association grew into a life long friendship that carried them into their senior years.
Joan then went on to pursue a career of service. From the spectrum of sharing love with the little ones at the Helena Head Start to inspiring the seniors at the Foster Grandparent Program and acting as the Director of the Helena Food Share, Joan’s helping spirit touched so many people, most of whom we will never know about. Still wanting to contribute, she worked on into retirement in various State agencies.
You may remember her love of politics. Under Governor Tom Judge she became the first woman to head up the newly formed Montana State Woman’s Bureau. There were few legislative sessions that Joan did not work at or at least kept close track of the bills she was supporting. She helped numerous candidate get elected to public office and she herself served on the Helena City Commission in the 1980’s. She was passionate about bringing good health care to our community and helped develop our clinic now serving all residents.
Joan had a flair for fashion. She was always dressed beautifully with outfits matching her jewelry and shoes. She took that talent into becoming the Personal Shopper at Hennessey’s Department Store where she could always find customers the most flattering color, size and design to make them shine.
People were at the center of Joan’s life. She not only cherished her friends but she touched the lives of all those she met. Whether it was a clerk in the bank, someone in the isles of the grocery store or the driver on the city bus, they truly meant something to Joan. There was rarely an invitation that she did not accept. She loved people and they loved her in return because of her kindness, subtle humor and eternal optimism. Being with her at a community event was like being in a receiving line. She knew so many and they all counted.
Joan is proceeded in death by her parents, her brother, dearest friend Billie Jean Hill, and her cat Bo.
She leaves to cherish her memory, cousins: Lee Driver (Rita) Glendive, Montana, Rachel Jackson and Margaret Day of Strasburg, Virginia, Alva Driver of Seattle, Washington, Felix Driver (Carol) of Anaconda, Montana and Frances Farmer (Gerry) of Madison, Mississippi. Dear friends: Marlene, Judy, CB, Kay, Bev, Mr.W, Suzanne, Pat and many others in Butte and Helena.
Joan will be deeply missed. But all that knew and loved her will agree that the Angels in Heaven have gained a spirited, joyful, and loving newcomer. This is without a doubt.
A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, August 23, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass is set for 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, followed by a reception in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial will be held in Anaconda, MT.
Donations in Joan’ name, will be gratefully accepted by the American Diabetes Assoc., the Helena Food Share, or charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 23, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 24, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday August 24, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 23, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 24, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday August 24, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mike Cooney says
Joan was my friend. But she was everyone’s friend. She brought out the good in everyone she touched. If you had a Butte or Helena connection Joan would be able to figure it out. Joan touched many lives and gave more than she every received. This world is truly a better place because of Joan.
Bless you my friend. I will miss our visits, phone calls and the laughs.
Sidney Armstrong says
It has been my great pleasure to know Joan since her days at Carroll College and I got to know her well when we were both part of Governor Thomas Judge’s administration.My father and her father were in school together in Butte, so we had a special added connection. I worked in the Governor’s office, while Joan was a real pioneer as the first head of the Women’s Bureau, helping to set the stage for helping women, especially in employment. We also worked together for two regular sessions and some special sessions of the Montana Senate. Kindness was always her hallmark, along with a positive attitude and a genuine love for people. A bright star in every thing she undertook, she really affected in such a positive way, so many people. May she Rest In Peace and may her memory be a blessing.
Peg Hartman says
Joan had so much energy perking away in her. We worked together in Aspen Court when there was still a Women’s Bureau. We had so many laughs. RIP, my delightful friend.
Janice Bacino says
I can hear Joan’s voice, filled with optimism and kindness. We were not close friends, but it was alway a delight to walk into a political phone bank and see her at one of the phones (yes, harkening back to the days of stationary phones). If you were nearby, you could be sure to hear an interesting conversation. Helena and Montana are bit empty without her.
Trinda Smith says
Joan was a caring and vibrant friend, and we shared many laughs and fun days together. I will always remember her kindness and the joy she spread far and wide. Peace be with you, dear Joan.
Judy Rolfe says
I worked with Joan at Hennessy’s/Dillard’s, she was a delight, always upbeat and fun. I think we two girls from Butte had a special bond. Rest In Peace my friend, I’m a better person for having Joan Duncan as my friend!
Linda King says
I first met Joan when I worked as her Admin Asst at the Women’s Bureau where we toiled side-by-side to improve opportunities for women in MT’s male-dominated workforce back in the 70s. It was a whirlwind of activities and Joan also introduced me to the New York Store and suits and to Billy Jean Hill and Holly Luck at frequent games of bridge at Billy Jean’s house! Our paths did not cross often again until just over 6 years ago when I was stuck living at Jorgenson’s for months while I was in a wheelchair recuperating from a bad leg fracture and repair surgeries (and waiting for my home to be repaired!) Joan and Billy Jean would eat at Jorge’s almost every evening and if I made it over to the restaurant early enough, we’d all eat together and catch up on old and new times. Sometimes we’d even venture out to the Med Grill and haul CB along. That 5 months of renewed camaraderie did us all much good. I’ll miss you, Joan. You and Billy Jean had better save me a place at the table for dessert!
Fran says
Joan was the first Bureau Chief at the Women’s Bureau, Montana Department of Labor and Industry. She and Sue Bartlett at the State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (SOICC) established high standards for women in state government. Their accomplishments were many. I went door to door for both after they left state government. Montana must celebrate their achievements; young women today have no idea how hard women worked so they can succeed. Sending comfort to Joan’s family in her absence –
Tom Lopach says
When I was going up my mother would bring me to city council meetings as she advocated for this or that issue. Joan Duncan was usually there also advocating, and giving me a warm welcome. We would see Joan at different things growing up, but I finally got to work with her at Hennessy’s where she was kind, smart, funny, welcoming, and a fashion plate!
Later in life I was working on Governor Bullock’s campaign for President. Sure enough, Joan Duncan came to headquarters to stuff envelopes. I have wonderful photos of her doing that, and incredible memories of talking to her at all stages of life.
She was an example of living a life of service — and warmth.
Jack Haffey says
Joan Duncan was a person who was known and loved by all the students at Carroll College during our years there, 1963 through 1967.
She made the college experience so special for all of us.
She went on to Hennessys and state government and volunteer service, and brought her special joy and love to all.
We send our prayers and gratitude to her family and relatives.
We are all better for having known Joan.
Prudence Gildroy says
Rest in peace, gracious lady.
Dave & Thea says
Joan was a wonderful friend. Our two boys enjoyed visiting her in the neighborhood as they were growing up. Joan’s politics were a great step forward for Montana as she displayed patience and grace in that chaotic world. We will miss her!
Drew Dawson says
I don’t even remember when or where I first met Joan, but it seems that she has always been a part of my life. Although we didn’t see each other frequently in the last few years, she was always a “presence” who helped steer me in the right direction and consistently reminded me, by her actions and our occasional visits, of the incredible importance of community and public service. We will miss her but will be constantly reminded of her many contributions to our community and our state. What a terrific role model for all of us!
Carolyn Pelletier says
Joan was always a beautiful, kind lady. She was always dressed stylish. She had a beautiful smile and a kind soul to match. She will be missed by so many.
Gene & Julie Huntington says
Joan was an extraordinary woman. We’ll miss her, as will so many others.
Connie Phelps says
Joan was a person of grace, love shining out of her soul. We are all better people for having known her.
Chine says
I remember her well from her time at Hennessy’s. She also came to a class I was in and talked about dressing for success. I’ve thought of her often over the years and I remember her always being pleasant and greeting everyone with a smile.
She will truely be missed.
Carol A, Mulholland says
I and my brother grew up with Joan and her brother Walter as youngsters in Butte, living on West Broadway Street. Memories through the years often brought her and Walt to mind and tho times we actually kept in touch were not as frequent as we would have liked we still reminisced, laughed, and treasured the times we did share. Her accomplishments were many, all achieved with determined grace and presentation. She was a fashion plate, dressed to the nines and looking like a million dollars all the time. She was easy to love and care about, admired, and will be forever remembered. Rest in Peace dear Joan, give my regards to your brother ( happy you are both together again with your mom and dad…. give them my love as well). and….
Thank you for being our neighbor, schoolmate, and forever friend.
Clare Ward-Jenkins says
Joan was such a great friend of my family. There was never a holiday or dinner party without Joan at the table. She was always Aunt Joan to us kids. I remember working the phones at her place the night she won her city commission seat, it was a joyful evening. She will be missed every time the Wards come together to celebrate. God Speed Aunt Joan.
John Ilgenfritz says
I, as so many others, have been blessed by knowing joan. It was just a few weeks ago that I saw Joan at a political fund raiser for Melinda Reed. I had not seen Joan in some time, but she greeted Sheena and I just like it was yesterday. So many great memories of Joan. She will be greatly missed by our community, friends and family.
God Speed, Joan
Pat Corry says
Joan was a warm and wonderful person, and Helena and Montana are better places because of all her great work over the years. The last time I saw her was at the last Helena Symphony concert before the pandemic shut everything down. As always, she was beautifully dressed but more important was her warm smile and great conversation. Rest in peace, Joan, and thank you for everything you did for our community.
Nancy Putz says
I first met Joan when she worked at Hennessey’s and later had the pleasure of working with her at DPHHS. After both of our retirements, I would run into her at different functions and it was like we had never missed a day. She exemplified all the best tributes you could want in a friend. Warm, witty, caring, insightful, knowledgeable, just tap the surface of what she was. She is a great loss to us and to the community and we will surely miss her. We cannot remember Joan without a smile on our face and warmth in our hearts because that is what she gave us. Rest in peace Dear Lady.