Our beautiful Mother, Joyce Vashro, passed peacefully in her sleep, during the early morning hours of August 8, 2018. Mom was born August 9, 1923, in London, England, to Norman and Jenny (Lamb) Perolls.
At age 18 she joined the British Women’s Land Army, in which the women worked the jobs left by the men who were fighting in WWII. She was proudly honored with a medal, by Queen Elizabeth in 2008, for her service to her country. On September 23, 1944, she became an English War Bride when she married our father, Richard (Dick) Vashro, who was an American Serviceman with the First Special Service Force, serving in England. In 1946, she traveled with her baby daughter to the United States aboard the Queen Mary. She and her baby, traveled by train from New York to Minneapolis to her first home in the U.S. From there, she moved to Butte, Montana, where her second daughter was born. We then followed Dad’s job with the Northern Pacific Railroad to Beach, ND, where 2 sons were added to the family. In 1950 she proudly became a U.S. citizen in Dickinson, ND. Following a short stay in Livingston, we moved to Austin, MT, where another son and daughter were born.
Mom became the U.S. Postmistress in Austin, with the Post Office being located on our front porch. She also dedicated her life to working for and with the Developmentally Disabled, and was a true champion for their cause.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dick Vashro. Also preceding her were her parents and five brothers, all of England.
She is survived by her six children, Mary (John) Lamb, Barbara (Mike) Grimes, James (Sandi) Vashro, Danny Vashro, Mike (Gwen) Vashro, and Jennifer (Brad) Bennett. She also leaves 8 Grandchildren, Debbie (Dan) Johnston, Duke (Trish) Lamb, JJ (Kim) Lamb, Autumn (Greg) Browning, Russell (Rachel) Grimes, Jillian (Alex) Vashro, Jessica (Russell) Shrewsbury, and Erin (Cole) Martin; 13 Great Grandchildren; Tyler (Lydia) Johnston, Aaron Johnston, Colton Johnston, Tori Johnston, Jonathon Lamb, Shelby Lamb, Riley Lamb, Sidney Lamb, Drew Lamb, Cooper Browning, Oriah Grimes, Rowan Shrewsbury, Addison Martin, and another Great Grandchild on the way; and 2 Great Great Grandchildren, Eoin Johnston and Huntley Lamb. Mom also leaves behind many very special nieces and nephews in both the United States and England, and many wonderful and dear friends.
We would like to thank the many people at Touchmark for the wonderful and loving friendship and care they gave our Mother. She truly loved living there. Services are being held on this day of, August 17, 2018, here at the ASW Funeral Home, at 1:00 p.m. Mom would wish that any donations in her name be made to West Mont Farm and Gardens, 2708 Bozeman Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
Rest in peace Mom, and know that you were loved by many and will be so very missed.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday August 17, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday August 17, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday August 17, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday August 17, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Robin & Darrel Folkvord says
Mary, John and Danny, Joyce was a sweet friend and she will be missed. Our hearts go out to you.
Darrel and Robin Folkvord
The Medlin Family says
To the family: My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I hope all the cherished memories will provide a measure of comfort. May the God of Comfort also give you strength. (Revelation 21:3,4 & John 11).
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Oh Vashro family, I am so sorry to hear of sweet, sweet Joyce’s passing. She was a beautiful woman with an even more beautiful heart. I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers- with a special big hug for Jennifer.
Lois Ranf says
What wonderful memories of my childhood Joyce triggers. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Not a lot of people around now that even know about Austin, Montana! Love and God Bless all of you.
Darlene Scott says
Heaven has received a beautiful angel. Joyce was a special lady, wonderful wife, mother and friend. My loving thoughts and prayers to all of her family.
Ingrid says
Jim, I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful mother. Thinking of you.
Michael Spurzem says
Dear Barb and family, I am very saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. She and her husband certainly raised a very wonderful and caring family. My thoughts are with you. Wishing you love and peaceful thoughts and memories.
Sharon Bennett says
Jennifer and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mom. My thoughts, heart and sympathies are with you. May her well lived life and your memories give you comfort.
Stormy says
I love and miss her so much. She made my Freya a beautiful pink baby blanket. I will cherish it forever. I talked to her about anything and everything. She was an inspiration and the image of pure perfection. She was part of my family. She is so greatly missed.
Wanda Stout says
Barb, Mary and the Vashro family. Joyce was such a sweet, sweet lady. I have wonderful memories of childhood fun at your home in Austin. I will miss her ever smiling face. Take care my friends. I pray the comforting arms of our Savior will ease your grief
Diane Bennett says
My thoughts are with Jennifer and your family. While I never met your mother Joyce, I know that she raised a wonderful, thoughtful, caring and devoted family. I’m sure she will be greatly missed I am so sorry for your loss and hope that thoughts and memories of her will bring comfort amidst your grieving.
Christine Caye says
So sorry for the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Florence Armagost says
Vashro family. My memories of your Joyce are so many and so wonderful. She was the most gracious woman who loved life and all she met and most of all loved her family. A beauty on the inside and outside. Many prayers for comfort and peace.
Jill and Creede Caldwell says
My family will always be blessed to have known Joyce. She was a beautiful member and strong supporter of the WestMont family. Her delightful disposition will be missed as much as her gentle and loving smile. May God bless you all.
Brian and Jean Peacock says
Sorry to learn of Joyce’s passing and will say a prayer for her and the family. Have fond memories of our visits with the Vashro family in Austin as I, Brian, was another transplanted “Brit”.
Rebecca Casteel says
Mike, Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Noelle Hathaway says
Mike and Family,
The pleasure was all mine to have known your Mother, Joyce. What a hoot she was! I enjoyed seeing her in the short time I knew her for. How special it is, to see the bond between a mother and son, such as yours. We saw you both just days ago and joked about seeing her in the near future! Peaceful passing and easy resting. All of my love and support to you and yours.
Maureen McCarthy Oelkers says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joyce was the sweetest and most humble woman ever. She sure loved her family. Carry on for Joyce and spread her kindness always. You all had such a good teacher and role model of how we are to carry ourselves in this world.
Love you all, Mo and Loren Oelkers
Martha Kohl says
I first met Joyce in 1995 when she was a volunteer at the Montana Historical Society and I had just moved to Helena with a six-month-old baby. I was terribly homesick and took great comfort in her stories of making a new life for herself in Montana far from family. She was always so pleasant and cheerful that she made my heart glad. We reconnected just two years ago at Touchmark, where she was my mother’s neighbor. She was without doubt the kindest and most compassionate person I ever met, with a kind word for everyone who crossed her path. She was my role model in 1995 and is my role model now as I strive to meet the world with at least a little of her grace and determination to make the best of things. I’ll miss Joyce very much. My deepest condolences to her family for your loss.
Howard Haines says
To Family and Friends of Joyce, our prayers are with you.
Sometimes it’s hard to find the words to say
When a friend like Joyce has departed life’s way.
The other day I was getting her morning coffee and cream,
Nothing out of the normal did it seem.
She knew all the words at Sing-Alongs and Name that Tune.
She had loved to sing, but her voice could no longer croon.
She met Dick in a telephone booth I heard her say,
And of her son Danny, she asked me to pray.
To me, other memories of Joyce come and go,
Many others here, had more of her to know.
“I will see you later,” were her last words to me.
Hope to see her on the other side in eternity.
Carol Hobbs says
Carol and Katherine, Gwen (La Master) Hobbs ; Had the honor of meeting her in 1982 here in Helena, MT and was always addressed when we met her and family. She was always upbeat and encouraging others around her. Then we had cross path again where I at the Farm for West Mont. We had tea together and talk about England and the things that we have seen there due to I had family members who live there as well. And to the family we send our prayers and love and support to you all.
Audrey Hollowell says
Jenny – your mom was such a wonderful lady and I have such fond memories of our time in Helena and overnight slumber parties at your house with all the “S” street gang. Joyce was so kind, loving and my favorite part of her was her smile. It could light up a room! God Bless you and your wonderful family and the legacy she leaves behind in all of you. Prayers of love and support from our neck of the woods…The Hollowells
Bev Gibson says
My deepest sympathy to the entire Vashro family, from an old neighbor (Oregon Street) My youngest daughter spent many play hours with Jennifer, and with Joyce. We even carpooled to our work at the Capitol. Many warm memories.
Chris McGonigle says
Barb, Our dear moms will be so sadly missed. I enjoyed seeing your mom at Touchmark, she was always smiling and gracious, ready to exchange a pleasant word.
I’ll keep you and Mike and Autumn and Russell in my prayers.
Amber Costigan says
My heart was saddened to hear of Joyce passing. I was a personal care-giver at Touchmark for two years and I feel truly blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Joyce. What a kind, loving and amazing person she was. I loved hearing her stories…..her laughter and her great sense of humor. She was a light to the lives of many, and my condolences go out to her family and friends. Joyce will be very missed.
Earl R. Houtz says
Though I never met Joyce, I recently discovered the connection we had. Joyce and my Mother, Marie Elizabeth Houtz, (and little me) came to America, and on to Montana, from England on the same Queen Mary voyage in 1946. Mother came to Havre, where her new father-in-law, Dr. Charles Houtz, warmly welcomed her into his loving family. I can certainly understand why leaving war-torn London would have been appealing, but I also admire the women who came to the smaller towns of Montana with few, if any, friends to greet them. We who survive those who have gone on to eternity have a great legacy to pass on to our children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. How precious to see God’s hand on our lives!
Fran says
I knew Joyce in the very early 1970s in the Office of the superintendent of Public Instruction in the Capitol. Joyce was a hard and accomplished worker. I never knew she was a Land Girl until I heard her on Montana Public Radio.
With blessings to you all in her absence. She
made a difference in life here in Montana.