Joyce Felecia O’Toole passed on to see our Lord early in the morning on July 16th, 2013.
She was born in Helena on July 27th, 1934 to Albert and Beatrice Westby and attended schools in Helena. Mom was raised Catholic which is where her love of music began. She sang in the Cathedral choir and at home. Mom had a beautiful voice and the family has many memories of her singing, always having a song in her heart and her words softly filling the house. As an avid bowler she participated for years on many different teams including the O’Tooles Bar ladies team. Mom was an excellent cook. She knitted, cross stitched, canned foods and kept a clean and tidy house. We all remember “make sure to turn off those lights when you leave the room!” if we by chance forgot! Being very good at fishing, she would go most every Tuesday and Wednesday with Dad, Tom Brown, John Marshall and many others. The bet was who could catch the first, the biggest and the most fish and most of the time Mom swept the bets, showing the boys, who really was best! She also traveled with Dad and others to Westport, Washington deep sea fishing for many years, fishing for salmon and tuna, winning all 3 bets there also!
She married Bill O’Toole on July 14th, 1951, madly in love, but probably no idea of what she was in for! They had 6 children (4 surviving) by 1961. They purchased a bar on Last Chance Gulch in October of 1965 and named it O’Tooles Bar and Lounge. Together they ran a very successful business which to this day has lasted 48 years on the Gulch. Dad tended bar and worked public relations and mom was the brains behind the bar. She made sure bills were paid on time; prices were correct and made sure Dad didn’t get too carried away with his P.R. activities. Dad referred to her as the “queen bee” as she really did rule the roost! After Dad passed in 1992, when asked what she would do with the bar she adamantly responded “run it!” Many doubted her abilities because she was a woman, but to this day 21 years after dad passed she ran a very successful bar. Great job Mom! It’s said behind every good man is a great woman, and that is so true for our mother.
One of her favorite things was the birthday “pie in the face”. If you were anywhere near O’Tooles on your birthday she would make up a paper plate full of whipped cream and give you a birthday pie in the face. She caught many of our good patrons by surprise, but no one could ever get her as she would leave town every year on her birthday.
She traveled to Ireland twice, once with Dad in 1990 then taking us kids in 1997. She loved the beauty of the Irish countryside and the friendship of the people. There wasn’t an open air market missed for her to shop! Our faithful tour guide John Kelly made sure mom got to see everything she wanted and experience the true culture of Ireland.
Mom worked hard her whole life and died peacefully at home as she wished. She will be missed by all, especially her family who loved her very dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her father and mother Al & Bea Westby, two infant children Michael and Diana, her sister Peggy Blacker, brothers Bert and Leland Westby.
She is survived by her children Rose Wiseman of Helena, Dolan (Jill) O’Toole, of Kent, WA., Felecia Petek of Helena and Shannon (Linda) O’Toole of Lake Stevens, WA, and her grandchildren Corrina Wiseman of Billings, Chance Petek of Missoula, Dustin Hamper of Helena, and Riley and McKenna O’Toole of Lake Stevens, WA., as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Visitation will begin noon Wednesday July 24th with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated noon Thursday, July 25th at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. A reception will be held at the Eagle’s Lodge on Fee Street immediately following the Mass. The family also invites you to join them in a continuation of celebrating Joyce’s life at O’Tooles Bar following the funeral reception. Memorials in Joyce’s name are suggested to The Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604.
Service Schedule
Visitation
Noon
Wednesday July 24, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
Noon
Thursday July 25, 2013
Cathedral od Saint Helena
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Thursday July 25, 2013
Eagle's Lodge
Fee Street
Helena,
Service Schedule
Visitation
Noon
Wednesday July 24, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
Noon
Thursday July 25, 2013
Cathedral od Saint Helena
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Thursday July 25, 2013
Eagle's Lodge
Fee Street
Helena,
Share
Anni Druce says
Rose, Felicia, Shannon and Dolan,
We understand the sadnees you are all feeling, as it is so very hard to loose a parent. Joyce was one of a kind. She was an extremely hard worker, keeping O’Toole’s going for so many years after your fathers passing. She truly put her heart and soul into the bar. Sometimes she could be a royal pain, other times she could be so much fun. Joyce was Joyce! St. Paddy’s day was at the top of her list and she loved to be on the go. She told us how proud she was of you all and she adored her grandchildren. May the good memories of your mother hep you through the pain of her loss and know our hearts and prayers are with you and your families.
Much love,
Tom & Anni Druce
Nancy and Tommy says
Rose & Jamie, Felicia and Family,
Our hearts go out to you and although no words can express your loss just know if we can help in any way please just call.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Love Tommy and Nancy
Cynthia Dexter, Westby says
So sorry to hear about your mom. I have a lot of good memories spent with her. My mom is still kicking, she’s gonna be 88 next month. I dread the day she leaves us. I also understand what you’re going thru. I hope everyone fares well & I send out my sympathy to you all. If there is any history paper at the funeral or small pamphlet on your mom would you please send me one. Or copy it & send it to my email address, I would appreciate it. A long distance cousin, Cindy.
Barb Hamlin says
Rose, Felicia & family:
I am so sorry to hear of Joyces’s passing, she was one of the toughest, hard-working women I know. There are so many stories and memories everyone will have to remember her by, as well as the family to keep in their hearts. As I have lost my father & recently my oldest brother, I know the pain you are suffering, time does help to heal. I know all of her children were the most important thing in her life, seek comfort in the beautiful times & memories you shared with her. My heart goes out to during this sad time, take care.
Carolyn Toole Saindon, Kim Toole Launer says
Rose, Felicia, Dolan & Shannon,
So sorry to hear about Aunt Joyce. Kim & I were just talking about her and wondering how she was doing, funny how things work out. Hope this finds you remembering the great times you had with her and Uncle Bill. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take Care.
Chris Warren says
Rose, Felicia & All the O’Toole Family.
Sorry for your loss. Joyce was a very special person and we all will miss her very much.
Love Chris.
Debbie Kockler says
Rose, Felicia, Dolan & Shannon
My heart goes out to you, sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was one of a kind and she will be missed very much. I will miss her smile and her laugh.
john king says
sorry to here about joyce , spent a lot of mornings talking about stuff. she was hard as nails! but she cared a lot about friends family. she also had a big part in saving my life , I thank you! john.
Carol (Beaver) and Dennis Dean says
Dennis and I send our prayers for God’s Peace on the lose of your mother , grandmother.I spent many years in the bar business with your mother and father . They both are missed . Sincerely Carol Beaver Dean Crown Room , Helena Montana , Imperial 400.
D. Keith Nay says
Dear former Neighbors(Rose, Dolan, Felecia, and Shannon):
Sure sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. May the coming years bring many happy moments from fond memories.
Sincerely,
Keith, Mark, Ward, Blythe, Marla, Eric, Charity, Dewey, and Marcy Nay
Penny says
I worked right above O’Toole’s at USF&G. Lots of us would sneak downstairs on St. Pat’s to have green beer. I also remember the corned beef on rye sandwiches. They were awesome! Often wish I could have one..
Very sorry for the loss of your Mother. She sounds like a lovely woman. You wrote a very nice obituary. A wonderful tribute to her.
Penny O’Neal Takala
Deb House Walter says
Rosie & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your Mother. She was one of a kind.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Deb
Allen McCarthy says
Remembering all the fun years we had on the Gulch together. Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day with Bill and Joyce when I had the Rialto back in the 70′s. Deepest sympathies to the entire O’Toole family. Have a great Celebration Of Her Life!!!!! Your friend and pal, Al McCarthy, Duke’s Sports Bar in Scottsdale
Willow George says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. sorry for the loss of you mom.
Roxanna Jerome Lyle says
Rose, Felicia, Dolan & Shannon
My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed.
Stella Normandy says
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am here if you need me. Love you,
Sweet Stella
Stella Normandy says
Iam praying for you and your family with your great loss. I am here if you need me. Love you,
Sweet Stella
Lucille (Smith) McGinnis says
To the O’Toole “Kids.” I have not seen much of you since you were children, but “way back when,” we and the Noll’s used to come to Helena pretty often to have a great time with Joyce and Bill. You kids were pretty young and may not remember. I was with Dell Smith in those days. We were all good friends. Last I saw Joyce was the day before Dell’s funeral. Rosemary Noll and I drove to Missoula to attend his services. Ro, you were there, right? Joyce was the same old fun-loving sparkling girl that she had always been. Just the way I remembered her. You kids obviously loved your Mom very much. She was certainly one in a million. We have a lot of memories with your Mom and Dad. Sorry that you have lost her, but you won’t lose her memory…ever. Take care.
Anita "Noll" Quinn says
Ro, Dolan, Felecia, & Shannon,
What a wonderful obituary and tribute to a very special lady who will be missed dearly.
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I know it is a part of life that we all must face, but having lost my Mom, Rosemary, a few years ago, it is still searing pain. I always enjoyed your Mom. She was movie star pretty and had such a fun personality. My Mom considered her to be one of her best friends and I know Rosemary was there to greet her on July 16th.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold tight to your faith that she is in a much better place, in fact a Great place, with your Dad, grandparents, Michael, Diana, her brothers and sisters, and her friends that passed before her. You will see her again. Blessings on you all. Love, Anita
Cheryl Levy says
I am a close friend/neighbor of Dolan/Jill. What a beautiful piece written here. The first time we met, “mom” was sitting in front of Dolan’s house “having a smoke”!!!! After reading this, I should have sat down next to her and starting talking “bowling”, “fishing”, “cooking”……we had alot in common!!! Along with my family, Rob, Jen and Eric….our deepest sympathies to you all. Love, Cheryl
Mike Murphy, Ancient Order of Hibernians says
Joyce and the whole O’Toole family have always been very kind and thoughtful. There have been many Saint Patrick’s Day memories. Joyce will be missed greatly by all. It was always a joy to see her at O’Tooles. My she rest in peace.
Tom says
Just read about Joyce. I am so sorry for your loss. I was a friend. My prayers are with the family.
Tom says
If I can do anything, I’m here.