JoAnn Mae Marks, 75, of Helena, succumbed Sunday evening at the home of her son, John in Helena after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
JoAnn was born the oldest child to John Patrick Howard and Mary Irene (Dolan) Howard on August 6th, 1935 in Helena, MT.
JoAnn and Donald C. Marks were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church January 12th, 1957. JoAnn and Don moved to Long Beach, California where they started their family while he was completing his naval career. JoAnn and Don returned to Helena in 1958 and settled in Broadwater County in 1960. JoAnn was a devout Catholic with a deep and profound faith. JoAnn was involved in the Charismatic Movement and numerous other activities in the church. JoAnn was also a career homemaker, mother to nine children, grandmother to 22 grandchildren, and recently great-grandmother. Her home was always open to anyone who came, and there was always a seat at the table. JoAnn always put others ahead of herself and never wanted to be in the lime light. JoAnn was an accomplished artist, seamstress and was well-known for her crafts. JoAnn’s apple pie was out of this world.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, June Molitor, and two grandchildren, Seamus and Reese Marks. JoAnn is survived by Donald, her husband of 54 years and their nine children, James (Kathy) Marks, John Marks, Denise (John) Hartman, Joe Marks, Jeff (Earla) Marks, Jerry (Brenda) Marks, Donna (Scott) Harris, Jay (Kaimy) Marks, and Jack Marks; and the many grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Jack Howard, Jeff Howard, and Jim Howard; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Vigil Service will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 27th with a Mass of Resurrection celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 28th at St. Mary Catholic Community. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Please join the family and friends for a luncheon immediately following the burial service at the church. Memorials in JoAnn’s name are suggested to the Hospice of St. Peter’s or the Cancer Treatment Center, c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 E. Broadway, Helena, 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Barb and Steve Hagen says
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Waldron and Esther Suhr says
Don and family…..we share your loss as we also had a great loss from Bill’s family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are ever mindful that every day we wake up is a blessing and none of us are in this life very long. All the best to you and yours…Esther and Bill
Billie and Chase Mattson says
I am so happy I was able to know such a wonderful women. God bless. Chase and my thoughts are with you all.
Charmon Graveley-Hansen says
My thoughts and prayers are with JoAnn’s wonderful family, may your many happy memories provide comfort in the coming days. God Bless
Connie Beckman says
Dear Don and family,
I am so sorry. My heart and my prayers are with you now. JoAnn is a beautiful previous child of God who loved others with the love of Jesus. I am so grateful that I was able to share the Holy Spirit Conference Committee with her tese past years. She is now resting with Jesus and Our Blessed Mother, and interceding before the thrown of God for each of us. Always know I am praying for you during this time of great sorrow and loss.
Blessings,
Connie Beckman
Dan & Bernadette Swenson says
JoAnn always was an inspiration as the Love of Jesus and Mary always shined from within her. She was and Is a special lady. Our prayers and love go out to Don and the family. God Bless
Dana & Shirley Beaudry says
So wish we could be there to offer our deepest sympathies to Don and family. You all are remembered in our prayers.
Eugene L. Molitor & Family says
So glad we came out last week & visited with JoAnn. Larry was planning on going out for the funeral and taking flowers but change of plans at the last minute. JoAnn is certainly in our thoughts & prayers. Do you have a memorial site we can send a check to in JoAnns memory.
Gilda & Dan Clancy says
Our prayers are with you all.
Jack and Sherrie Pelowitz says
We were out of town when we received your news, wish we could have been there, but your family is definitely in our thoughts and prayers.
Jay Marks says
We love you mom!
John & Sherri Staats says
JoAnn was a wonderful & gracious lady. She had a wonderful heart & was very kind to us. I truly enjoyed having dinner with her at our 4th degree Knight meetings. Our heart & prayers go our to all of her family. I know she will be resting with our Blessed Mother & Jesus. JoAnn, you will be missed. You will always be loved.
judy rauser snellman says
I was very sorry to hear about JoAnn, she was a very nice lady and a great mom, she will be missed. Our Deepest Sympathy.
Laura Gibbs says
You are and always will be my dear friend. You were my “mentor” and spiritual advisor. I have been so honored to have known you my dear sister in Christ. I love you and miss you, but I know Jesus and Mother Mary have Their Arms around you and Emmy. Love, Laura
Marie Hankins says
It was a pleasure knowing you. I thank you for inviting me to join your prayer group. You were one “special” lady, JoAnn. I love you and I’ll miss you.
I’m sure you and Emmie are enjoying heaven now.
Your sister in Christ,
Marie
Mark & Karen kasperick says
We here in Salt Lake thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Melissa Kidd says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Joann. She was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed. Remember the good times that you had with her. She will be with you always in your heart and may you draw strength from that. You and your family are in my prayers!
Melissa, Gene, Evan, Hannah & Erica Kidd
Ralph and Lynn Guay says
Joanne, a wonderful lady, who will be sorely missed by so many. But, she has touched many, us among them. We will keep you, Don, and your family in prayer.
Love and hugs from Ralph and Lynn
Rhonda Helmick says
Your family will always hold a special place in my Townsend memories. May the memories of your gentle mother bring you peace. With deepest sympathy.
Shane/Shaniah/Shawn O'Brien says
We wanted to write and tell you again how sorry we are for your loss. There are never the right words to express how deeply sad we are that you have to endure your loss. JoAnn will be truly missed by everyone who knew her no matter where they crossed her path in life.
JoAnn was a giver, never a taker. She was always there to help no matter how busy she was; no matter the time of day; and, never asking or needing anything in return.
Friends like JoAnn are few in life and it is with a heavy heart that we also grieve with your loss.
william says
The most beautiful family i have ever know.