Joan Beverly McMahon passed on the afternoon of December 4, 2020. Though she will be missed dearly by those who remain, she is where she has wanted to be. What a sight it must be to see her reuniting with those family and friends that have gone before her.
Joan was born 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri, and was the only child of Basil and Virginia Livingston. She attended schools in St. Louis and eventually graduated from St. Louis University. While attending St. Louis U, the beauty queen caught the eye of many suitors including a certain medical student from Butte America, Jack McMahon. They were wed on December 10, 1955 and so began the 60 years that they shared together and an unbelievable life story that they wrote. They quite literally took to heart God’s words of “Be fruitful, multiply, and populate the Earth” and were more than a little responsible for populating much of Helena and the civilized world.
Jack, Steve, Joan Marie, and Joe were born in St. Louis, while (after Dr. McMahon moved his family back home to Montana) Mary Anne, Mike, Tim, Mary Ellen, Tom, and Dick in Helena. Adopted sister Kathy, and foster brothers/sisters Charlie, Ron, Nancy, and Sunny all were welcomed into the family as well because “ten just wasn’t enough”. Ramon found his way into the home for short period of time too. The blending of so many only made holidays, float trips, weddings, birthdays, and other life celebrations so much fuller and for all of us, the way it was supposed to be if the Fryhovers, Rules, Shields, and other family friends could join in as well.
If reality programs would have been part of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, “Joan’s Life” would have been #1 show on TV. She stayed at home and tended to her brood as they were growing up. Not only was she an excellent mother but served as nurse, chauffeur, referee, judge, and jury on far too many occasions. Why one would want to put up with so much over so many years (ketchup on Tommy’s head after getting out of the hospital, the pitchfork through Tim’s leg, the rattlesnake in the lap, the Christmas Eve hot tub “thaw”, late night wait ups…) may be a mystery to some, but not to her. “It’s all what makes life interesting” is how she felt. She always had the old standby sayings of “You’re so full of it your eyes are brown” and the dreaded “Wait until your father gets home” to diffuse any situation. Yet, for the most part, all it took was an understanding word, certain look, or hug to fix most anything that was wrong. She simply had the Mother’s Touch.
When youngest and favorite son Dick (proven fact, not opinion) was able to enter school, Joan herself went back to school at Carroll College and was able to secure a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. She used that degree to serve students in the Helena schools, working at Capital High, Helena Middle School, and Broadwater Elementary. She loved her work as a teacher and the students that she taught just as much as her family, but due to complications with MS, she retired from teaching far too soon. Though MS was a challenge for her the rest of her life, not one word of complaint did she ever utter. Joan adapted as she always had. She leaned on faith in her husband, family, and most importantly herself to get up each morning and take on each day much the same way she dealt with her greatest loss, her beloved son Stevie. Even with the obstacles that were put in her way, she lived a great life and left a legacy of love and service that is a model for us all.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband Jack; son, Stevie; foster sons, Ron and Charlie Mott, and parents, Basil and Virginia Livingston. In addition, she is reunited in Heaven with Jack’s parents, Brandon and Anita; Jack’s siblings (Steve, Tom, Mary Jo); sister-in-law, Claire (Tom’s wife), and many lifelong friends, especially the Hales (John and Alice), Fryhovers (Dick and Marge), and Rules (Roy and Billie). She is survived by her children, their spouses, and over 60 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the fabulous staff at Rocky Mountain Care for all that they have done for Joan over the past few years, especially during the most difficult of circumstances of 2020. Your dedication to her and others in your care can never be repaid and is truly appreciated. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of Joan’s life is being planned for a future date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Joan’s memory may contribute to the Helena Education Foundation, St. Peter’s Hospice, Carroll College, Helena Food Share, or an organization of their choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 30, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 30, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Stephanie Ford says
I love you Aunt joannie and I will miss you you were the best great-aunt I could have asked for . love you so much.
Kathy Lloyd-Waters says
I have only love to express at the passing of my dear Aunt. She was an amazing lady who was loved by so many. She had a wonderful husband , children , and whom she loved and cared for. She lived a long and wonderful life, and had so many grandchildren who kept her smiling. She is up in heaven with God, Jack, and her son Stevie. She is always with her children and grandchildren. All our love Kathy, Roger, and family.
Karen Harvey ferguson says
McMahon family, you are a gift to this town and many of my young memories. And lately, my few trips to cut your mothers hair. She would smile at my inappropriate comments, and shake her head. Thank you for the small spot in your world. Smile, laugh, and take those experience with you into your future forever.
Rebekka Dodge says
I have many memories of Joanie. I can picture her looking no more than 18 years old but with a station wagon full of kids. She was at Hiway Market buying beer and they carded her. She told them to look out the window at the station wagon full of kids – they are all mine. I remember spending a weekend at the cabin at Georgetown and Joanie serving everyone graciously and making it look easy. I rarely remember her sitting, as she was always on the go. She spent her life working hard and I’m glad she is with her family on the other side. It is hard to imagine how any world problems will get solved without the McMahons, Foleys, Grubers, Hales, and Rules solving them over coffee on Friday nights. My condolences to her children/grandchildren and all those who were touched by her generosity and kindness.
Rita A Williams says
It was my privilege to teach with Dear Joan at Helena Middle School. I was a new teacher and Joan took me under her wing. She was not only a wonderful example of a Professional but a true and Dear Friend to me. She has been in my thoughts these past few weeks. In many ways I feel I have been with her at the end.
One of my favorite memories of Joan was that after she retired from teaching she came to get me for lunch in her new Hummer!
God rest your Dear Soul, Joan!
Steve Clark says
It was in 1968 that the McMahons Took in three of the Clark children for several days after our mother had passed away. It was a great diversion from what was going on around us and I still have fond memories of being out there. My thoughts are with you.
ron shields says
The Smiling LADY, I remember cooking steaks on the Smith in the middle of a rain storm with her.
Mark Mlekush says
I though I didn’t know Joan as well as I did the rest of the family, I send my deepest sympathy to the whole family. Joan is home with Lord and is now watching over all of us as angel of the Lord.
Marcus Ulland says
Let me stretch my arms around the entire McMahon Family to give a heartfelt hug of comfort and condolence in Joan’s passing. I remember my surprise upon first meeting her 4 plus decades ago. This demure little lady is responsible for this clan? Wow!! I soon found out she was an absolute Lioness in all regards to her family and those she brought in to her fold. Am so thankful to the many times their home and hospitality was opened to me.What a wonderful heritage upon which to live up to and build upon. God Bless you all.
Helen Beausoleil says
An amazing lady, mother and an amazing family and indeed what a reunion she is having. I know I have shared with some of you before that I grew up knowing your grandmother Anita, so I have always felt this fond connection to your family. Your grandparents, uncles and parents are all so proud of you. We are blessed to know you and pray now for you in this time of a very special loss.
Love,
Helen (Laurvick) and Joe Beausoleil
John Doubek says
She was a wonderful lady and a great Mom. I know she is missed but now at peace with Jack, Steve and the rest of your departed family. We will pray for you all. John and Jody
Darrel and Robin says
What a wonderful tribute to your amazing Mother! We love you all and hope your hearts find comfort knowing she is reunited with family and friends. May the great memories live on!
Frank and Bonnie Gruber family says
What a great tribute to a wonderful Mom and Wife. We have many memories of times with Joanie and family. We remember trading rides when taking kids to baseball and other sporting events. Of course, we always looked forward to our Friday night gatherings with the Rules, Foleys, Hales, McMahons and later Bob Tubbs. Joanie held the fort down with the rest of the family when we would go with Jack, Dick Fryover and at least one of the kids on hunting trips. We will miss her but she is now in peace with Jack, Steve and other family members. Our prayers are with her and the family. Frank and Bonnie Gruber family
Cathy Cherry says
Dear McMahon family,
Your mom and dad were entwined in my life. Your mother was a native of St. Louis as I was, your dad was taught by my father at St. Louis U med school. What serendipity that years later we would meet in the OR at St. Pete’s. Joan and Jack graciously hosted my parents when they came to visit us in Montana. Missy lived with my parents for awhile when she attended SLU med school. So happy she is now reunited with Jack and Steve.
Cathy and Tom
Christina Bussard says
Dear McMahon family,
Joan was an amazing woman . She always talked about her children and how proud she was of each an every one of them. An her love for teaching children, she told me that her favorite subject was History. Joan showed me that know matter what the day brings their is always a reason to smile and fill loved. Joan will be greatly missed. Joan was very special to me. ❤️ She always woke up with a smile 😊 ❤️ She enjoyed seeing my daughter do gymnastics 🤸♂️ On my phone. ❤️ I will miss her.
Christina Bussard says
Dear McMahon family,
Joan was an amazing woman . She always talked about her children and how proud she was of each an every one of them. An her love for teaching children, she told me that her favorite subject was History. Joan showed me that know matter what the day brings their is always a reason to smile and fill loved. Joan will be greatly missed. Joan was very special to me. ❤️ She always woke up with a smile 😊 ❤️ She enjoyed seeing my daughter do gymnastics 🤸♂️ On my phone. ❤️ I will miss her. My condolences to her children/grandchildren and all those who were touched by her generosity and kindness.
Tom Naegele says
McMahon Family,
Prayers of condolences and support for you all. On the days on Stuart St. I remember the joy of the McMahon Family as it grew through the years. Jeannie was the inspiration and the guidance for a fun Family. There was a void when you moved to the valley home. My Mom and Joan were Great Mom’s and we had a crazy and protective neighborhood to grow in. Peace be with the McMahon Family as you Celebrate a wonderful life of Joan and the lasting memories. God Bless you all 🥳 🙏
Denise Fryhover Gleason says
My heart is full of memories of times shared with the McMahon family. Joan was an amazing woman and will be missed. Our Fryhover family found ourselves in Joan and Doc’s home often as I grew up. Dad would tell the story of meeting them for the first time out on a river, fly fishing. Dad thought it was Doc and a several of his kids, one of those “kids” was Joan:) My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the McMahon clan. Love you all.
Kathie Elder says
Sincere sympathies to all of Joan’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joan was an extra special lady who loved children. When she was working on her degree at Carroll College, her “student teaching” assignment was in my second grade classroom at C.R. Anderson, but she came with a well-equipped bag of tricks. She already had years of experience of working with her own children. It was such fun to watch her teach and use gentle words of encouragement to help each child realize success. She loved working with children and she was a super educator. Everyday I learned something about myself and about teaching from Joan. Each member of Joan’s family has so many memories – keep them in your hearts and they will bring you comfort. God Bless You All
Scott Brown says
Scott Brown
I remember both your Mom and Dad as very dear people. I remember Joan as such a sweet women. Your Dad took me under his wing while I was serving on the Saint Peter’s hopital board. They both will always be in my heart.
Scott Brown says
I remember both your Mom and Dad as very dear people. I remember Joan as such a sweet women. Your Dad took me under his wing while I was serving on the Saint Peter’s hopital board. They both will always be in my heart.
Aggie Frankino says
Joan was beautiful person in every way. Her love, compassion and understanding made the world a better place for so many.
The legacy of Jack and Joanie lives on in their beautiful family. God bless🙏
Dick McMahon says
Mom,
A year has passed but my memories of you are fresh. So lucky to be your son. Can’t tell you how happy I am you are reunited with Pops, Stevie, Chaz, and Ron. Thanks for your examples of unconditional love to me, Di, and your grandsons.
Always and Forever…
Dick
Joan Marie McMahon says
Hi Mom,
Been almost 2 years, was thinking of you today and thought I would just say Hello.
All the grandkids are growing up and they continue to keep me smiling.
You and dad would be so proud of all of them.
Miss you and dad as well as the rest of the gang.
Love you Missy
Rita Moran says
Just came across, again, the notice of Joan’s passing a few years ago. While I was growing up with her in St. Louis our mothers were close friends and Joan and I both went to Our Lady of Sorrows school, before heading in different directions for high schools, etc. I can remember being with Joan at a small family farm for a few occasions, one in which we climbed into a dried-corn wooden structure to play around one day. My mother was Margaret Witte; I’m now Rita Moran, though my husband, a nice fellow rom Ireland, passed away a few years ago.
We moved to the West Coast and have been living, now by myself, in Ventura, CA. Our son, Pat, lives in the Bay Area up “north” and visits frequently.
Our best to your family
Rita (Witte) Moran says
My grade school days with Joan were lots of fun; even after we moved on to different high schools we kept in touch while she was still in St. Louis, and after.
Rita Moran says
Rita (Witte) Moran says
My grade school days with Joan were lots of fun; even after we moved on to different high schools we kept in touch while she was still in St. Louis, and after.
Dick McMahon says
Mom,
Two years now but know that there isn’t a week that goes by where you aren’t thought about. It’s hard not to when I see you in the actions and words of my own kids. You always said put family before anything and Tanner,Timmy, and Tyler are firm believers in that too. They are each others best friends and would rather be doing something with each other than anyone else. They live, laugh, and occasionally fight with each other but know in the end, there’s nothing like brotherly love. Sound familiar? Hope you and Pops are enjoying the view.
Always and Forever
Dick
Dick McMahon says
Happy Birthday, Mom. Not too many days go by without somebody or something triggering a memory with you in it. Always Mother….
Dick
Dick McMahon says
Mom,
Three years just doesn’t seem possible. Though me and everyone else miss you terribly we all know it’s where you wanted to be. Truly appreciate what you and Pops have done for me and my family and I know you guys are constantly watching over me, Di, and the 3 T’s. Hopefully you like the view. I often catch little glimpses of your ability to heal, ability to protect, and ability to reflect in the everyday happenings Tanner, Timmy, and Tyler and it just goes to prove your legacy lives on. Yes indeed, pretty awesome.
Always Mother….Dick
Dick says
Mom,
Four years have flown by and you are missed something fierce.
Speaking for all of us that you sheparded for so long though, we are all OK with you being where you are. For far too long you put the needs of all of us before yourself and it’s awesome that you get to be where you wanted to be for so long after Pop’s left. As I’ve said before, I rest easy knowing the two of you are looking down and hopefully approving of our interpretations of the lessons you both taught us and how we are trying to pass those on to the grands, and the greats. My own three T’s know those lessons and certainly live them daily. I am so lucky to be their Pop’s, so lucky to be married to Di, and so lucky to be your son….and yes, YOUR FAVORITE!
Always and Forever, Mother
Dick