On the morning of April 8th, 2019, Joyce “Dolly” Mae Danicich took her place in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father. She was surrounded by her husband of 67 years and four children. Dolly passed from the complications associated with a stroke.
Joyce was born in the morning of January 28th 1932 in Helena MT at St. John’s Hospital. Joyce spent her childhood in Helena where she attended primary school and graduated from Helena High School in 1950. Upon graduating, Joyce began employment as a teller with First National Bank. Later that same year after attending a basketball game, Joyce met her soon to be boyfriend, Eugene Marko Danicich. Gene said he talked to her because she was quiet. He asked for her telephone number and called her every night for the next two weeks. The couple dated for nearly two years and then were married on the 27th of December 1952 in St. Helena Cathedral.
In the following years Joyce and Gene lived on S. Raleigh St. until they built their forever home on Peosta Avenue. There they raised four children, Mischelle, Jim, John and David. Joyce was primarily a stay at home mother and house maker and an avid supporter of her children’s activities. The family was taken mostly by winter activities and all became great skiers. Almost every weekend throughout the winter there was a trip to another ski hill, either for a day or a weekend. Joyce wasn’t able to master skis herself, and after an accident involving broken glasses she was officially the “ski chauffeur”, a title she wore proudly for years to come.
Joyce also took great pride in working for National Health Labs where she served as a courier and liaison for a health services company for 25 years. She loved to drive, be around people and be out in nature. This job offered her ample access to all of these passions. Mom also gave her time to Garden Club for more than 40 years, Sewing Club and North Benton Ave Cemetery. Although being “quiet” at first she became a very gregarious soul and enjoyed being around people. She was always happy to host a party with Christmas being her most favorite time to have people over. Joyce loved to read and it wouldn’t be uncommon to drop by for a visit and find her engrossed in yet another book, most often a romance novel (“the clean kind” as she would say). She spent endless hours knitting washcloths to donate to the Good Samaritan or give to family and friends (our drawers are full!) Most of all, mom was a lover of animals including everything from the occasional bunny that hopped through our yard to all the pets we owned or happened across her path. She never turned down a request to act as “The Doggy Hotel” for her children’s pets when they were out of town.
Joyce was a wonderful grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her grandkids. Although not a fan of the big city, she would drive hours to visit them in Bellevue WA and in Missoula. She loved reading, doing art projects or simply playing with them on the living room floor when they were young. Growing up in the Depression, one of the greatest lessons she instilled in everyone was “you don’t have to spend a lot of money to be happy”.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Carl Gustafson and mother Mae Finstad, Gene’s parents Marko and Ljuba Danicich, and other relatives Lawery Finstad, Ray Finstad, Martha Schrock, Rachel Finstad, Thelma Finstad.
Joyce is survived by her husband and soulmate of 67 years, Eugene Marko Danicich, daughter Mischelle Ann Jenkins (Bellevue WA), sons James (Heidi) Danicich (Bellevue WA), John (Michele) Danicich (Missoula MT), David (Beth) Danicich (Helena MT) and grandchildren Claire Danicich, Cameron Danicich, Nicholas Jenkins and Amelia Jenkins as well as her sister JoAnn (John) Notti (Stevensville MT) and cousin, Annette Finstad (Helena MT).
Thank you to all that have touched Joyce’s life. Although mom loves flowers, we ask that donations be made to Cathedral of St. Helena 530 N Ewing Street, Helena MT 59601 in her name.
A Vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing St. A reception will follow the mass in the Brondel Center. A burial will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Joyce.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Kenneth says
To: GENE DANICICH and FAMILY:
Terri and I are most saddened by the passing of Joyce.Many years we have sat right in front of them at the Cathedral of ST. Helena,and so enjoyed both Gene and Joyce.Their faith was strong and carried them well in the
trying times of the illnesses these last few years.One never heard a complaint from them,they simply did the best they could and always had a smile. Our heartfelt prayers are with Gene and the family,and Joyce on her journey to
see her LORD . Ken and Terri Downing—–
Bob Day says
Gene, Michelle, Jim and John
Loosing a parent is one of the most difficult things any one will experience in their lifetime . God has a plan for us all but often difficult to see. We have to have faith and know that Joyce is now in a place of great beauty and peace . She is also free of any pain or suffering. Stay close as a Family . Your strength together is what will get you through this most difficult time . Joyce was a strong woman so celebrate her life here on Earth as I’m sure she would want you to do. She will be watching over you all until you are all together again.
May she Rest In Peace.
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Danicich Family,
You have my heartfelt sincere sympathy during this most difficult time. I graduated high school with Michelle and worked with Gene in the Materials Lab at DOT. Several years ago I had the pleasure of visiting with Gene when he called the Health Care Benefits Division with some questions regarding their health screenings. I pray that all the dear wonderful memories you hold close within your heart will sustain you in the future until you meet again in our Heavenly Father’s promise of paradise. RIP Joyce.
Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson
Noreen Raynor says
Gene, I’m so sorry to read of Joyce’s passing. She was was always such a kick to be around.
Take care of yourself and God Bless ❤️
Jolene says
Gene and family,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of Joyce. I hope the memories made together will provide you comfort. Love and peace, Jolene Stavropoulos-Kuhn
Londa Routzahn Burns says
Gene and family, I am sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Londahelena@gmail.com Burns
Aggie Frankino says
Thinking of you fondly during this difficult time. I know you will find comfort in each other and so many happy memories. Joyce was always so proud of all of you. Love and blessings, Aggie Frankino
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your Loss.
Debbie Kelley says
Dear Gene,
I was so very sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. You & the kids were the first people I met after moving to Helena & I have many fond memories growing up in the neighborhood on Peosta. May your many years together and the memories bring you all comfort during this difficult time.
Connie Cutler says
Dave and family,
We are sorry for the loss of your Mom. This is a great picture of her and I remember that smile each time she came for her lab pickup at the Urology office. Your Mom was so kind. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time.
Rob and Connie Cutler
Cathy Murphy says
Dave and family, I am so sorry for your loss.my love and prayers are with you all.
Vicki Woodrow says
Gene, the boys and I are so sad to hear of Joyce’s passing. We have so many fond memories of backyard fence chats with both of you and sipping drinks in your patio during the summer. She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.