Joan Treacy Holter, age 89 of Helena, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2010 at her residence in Helena.
Joan was born July 24, 1921 in Helena, Montana. She attended Elmira College in New York where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. After college she went on to work as a Chemist for the Shell Oil Company in Houston, Texas.
Joan married Norman J. Holter on July 18, 1952 in San Francisco, California and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage together before Norm’s passing in 1983. She loved to Hike and Cross Country Skiing along with playing Tennis and a few rounds of Golf.
Joan was an avid community supporter and loved to entertain. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, the Montana Club, Green Meadow Country Club, Montana Historical Society and the Holter Museum. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman J. Holter; and a sister, Elizabeth Beyer. She is survived by her children, Anton ‘AJ’ Holter of Seattle, WA, John Holter of Kent, WA, Troy Holter of Helena, MT and Marian Brod of Eugene, OR. She also is survived by four grandchildren.
Per Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and formal services and burial will be held at a later date. Memorials in Joan’s name are suggested to the Hospice of St. Peter’s, the Holter Museum, or to the Montana Historical Society. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Joan, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Carl Sheran says
Marian and family. I was saddened to see of your mom’s passing. She was one of my good memories of life in Helena and will always have a special place in my heart. Blessings to you all…Carl
Allyn Ann Cummins says
AJ, John, Troy and Marion: We have lost a great one, and very special neighbor. My Goldens will miss Joan and Toto! I enjoyed having gin/tonics with Joan in the summer—she so enjoyed sitting in her yard visiting. We she was able to hike on LeGrande we would see her often! Have wonderful memories and know she loved you all. Allyn Ann and Bob Cummins
Deanna Johnson says
Joan was a great supporter of the Holter Museum and of me when I became its first director. She has been a good friend for years and will be missed.
She is for many of us a model of gracious generosity and hospitality.
Elizabeth Gunn says
We met as young mothers because our children were the same age and occasionally shared a play date. The children went on to their own lives but Joan and I stayed friends forever. She was always kind, generous and thoughtful, and had a great ironic sense of humor. We did a lot of walking, talking and laughing. I have lost a dear good friend.
Betty J Fountain-Magnus says
To Troy, Marion, AJ, and John–I am grateful to have met both Jeff and Joan Holter. I was like a little dingy thrown into the ocean of life without a rudder and compass. They took me in and guided me to a safe harbor–Carroll College. They helped me find the wind to fill my sails. I am so saddened by Joan’s passing. She will live on in my album of memories. My family and I send our thoughts and prayers in this time of loss. The Magnus Family
Peter Held says
Joan was truly a patron saint of many organizations in Helena. Her impact, felt for decades will be missed by many. She walked through life with grace, dignity and stlye.
Bill & Mary Duede says
Dear Jeff & family,
We were saddened to read of your mom’s death, and send you our sincere sympathy. It has been over a year since we had seen Joan, and way too long since we’ve visited with you.
Our sincerest sympathy,
Mary & Bill Duede
980-2177
Ann Nickel says
Holter Family,
I am sadden to hear of your mother’s death. She was such a wonderful person. I will never forget how kind she and your dad were to Dave and I when we rented the cabin from them. You are in my prayers.
Nancy Springhorn says
Very belated condolences from the Springhorn Family.