Joanne Dorothy George (Vanderzanden) lovingly joined our Father in Heaven on June 22, 2017, at the age of 83. She passed peacefully while surrounded by her family. Joanne was preceded in death by her mother and father, Agnes and Victor Vanderzanden.
Joanne is survived by her husband of 58 years, Eddie B. George, and her nine children: Denise (Tom) Nicholson, Donna George, Ann (Gary) Lynch, Ruth (Bill) Straw, Joe (Karen) George, John (Mary Ann) George, Jackie (Bob) Carter, Sam George, Peter (Becky) George, and 12 brothers and sisters. Joanne’s 31 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren, brought her endless love and pleasure.
Joanne was born in Banks Oregon, April 16, 1934, to Victor and Agnes Vanderzanden. She graduated from St. Mary’s of the Valley Academy, Beaverton, OR.
Joanne’s family, and spending time with them, was the most important thing to her. She married Eddie on May 2, 1959, and moved to Montana where they raised their children, bringing the importance of family to them. She lived many years at Canyon Ferry Lake where she held more than 50 years of Easter Egg hunts for the children that she loved. The Easter Egg hunt will hold many great memories for young and old. Joanne was famous for her cinnamon rolls, and receiving an embroidered item from Joanne was a cherished gift.
Joanne waited tables for many years at Yacht Basin. She cared for many children, and worked at Creative Horizons Child Care, where she showed her love for the children. Joanne loved to go camping and fishing, and she was sure to let all of Avalanche Gulch know when she hooked one. She passionately cared for the “Our Lady of the Lake” church for many years, and was an active member of TOPS and was playing BINGO just before she became ill. Joanne had a big heart for Al-Anon, which helped her find peace. She had an open heart and accepted everyone as loved ones. In her last moments she was still caring for others.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 30th at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs St in East Helena. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 30, 2017
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday June 30, 2017
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Friday June 30, 2017
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 30, 2017
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday June 30, 2017
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Friday June 30, 2017
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Sally Angove says
Dear Eddy and family,
Clyde and I were shocked and saddened to read Joanne’s obituary in the paper. She was a beautiful lady. Clyde’s last memory of her was the BIG hug he got in a doctor’s office. We will miss her hugs.
Love,
Clyde and Sally
Shawn Beckman6 says
Eddie and family so sorry for your loss.Very sweet genuine lady.I spent alot of happy times at your house when i was young.My thoughts are with you all in your time of loss .Shawn Popp
Denise Nichelson says
Thinking of you all! Will miss her, didn’t have a lot of time with her, but when we had time together it was special and that was all due to her.
Love, Denise
Denise says
Eddie & family so sorry to hear about Joanne. We will miss seeing her at Jorgenson”s.
Love Denise Hayden
Fay Pocha Prescott says
Eddie and Family, I am so sorry. Joanne was a beautiful woman. She will be greatly missed.
Fay Pocha Prescott
1410 Kingston Dr.
Felicity & Mike McFerrin says
Eddie and family–
We are so sorry for your loss. Joanne was a fixture in the Canyon Ferry community and will be deeply missed.
Kathy ( Johnson) Sampson says
To the George Family,
So very sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. I loved the times I spent at your house at the lake. She was an amazing person. You all have a very special angel now watching over all of you. Kathy (Johnson) Sampson
Mark Ibsen says
And Joanne welcomed me to my first Al-Anon meeting by gifting me with the book courage to change
And it was my honor and do you like to get to know her over the last four years.
And I thank God for the opportunity to meet her. May she rest in peace.