Joanne Eleanor Inama, age 76, of Helena, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT.
Joanne was born on March 12, 1939 in Duluth, Minnesota. She was adopted at the age of 5 by Alois and Lena Louise Lehman Giger. As a young girl, Joanne spent a year studying in Switzerland. She spent her high school years in Bellingham, Washington, where she loved to dance and was on the Dance Team.
At the age of 18, Joanne met her husband, William Paul Inama on a blind date; on February 14th, 2016 they celebrated 58 years of marriage. On May 1, 1966 Joanne and Bill moved to Helena, MT where they have lived ever since and raised their 5 children.
Joanne’s favorite time was spent with her children and grandchildren. She was a very compassionate, loving person who enjoyed taking care of her family. It was well known she never let a person leave her home hungry.
Joanne loved flowers and gardening, spending many hours working in her yard. She had an incredible love for animals who loved her back. She also loved the Utah Jazz, rarely missing a game.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Lena Giger; a brother, Robert Giger; and her son, John Chadwick Inama; and many beloved pets.
Joanne is survived by her husband, William Paul Inama; her children, Mark Brian Inama (Annette) of Riverton, Utah, Julie Ann Kelly (Shawn) of Louisburg , Kansas, Gregory Louis Inama (Marcy) of Missoula, Montana, and Lynne Elizabeth Inama of Helena, Montana; 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She also instilled a love of animals in her family; among them they have 14 dogs, 11 horses and 9 cats.
A family and friends memorial gathering celebrating Joanne’s life with a reception is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2016 in the Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Joanne.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 p.m.
Thursday February 25, 2016
Banquet Hall Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 p.m.
Thursday February 25, 2016
Banquet Hall Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Julie Massaro says
Lynnae,
I am so very for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Cathy Morris says
Lynnae,
Our thoughts are with you always.
Cathy and Nate
Ann Brewer says
Lynnae,
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Kay Culp says
Lynnae,
We are so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Greg and Kay Culp
Teresa Kelley Brewer says
Bill, Mark, Julie, Greg and Lynnae;
I am so sorry to hear about Joanne. She was such a fantastic lady, so kind and loving. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Tree
Elaine Tuffli says
So very for your loss, Bill and family.
Kathie Arlint says
Bill and Family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Caroline Rand says
Lynnae, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I now know where you got your passion for animals. It takes a very special person to have the love of animals and to pass that love on to others.
Tanja Hulst says
Lynnae, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. You are very special and I will always be grateful for your friendship. Remember the good times with your mom.
Darlene Abeyta says
Bill you have been on my mind . So sorry for your loss.