Kristy passed away in Helena at the age of 58, surrounded by family, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Kristy was born in Miles City, Montana to parents Beverly (Seymour) & John “Jack” Monahan. She grew up in Butte, MT and attended grade school at McKinley School, West Junior High, and graduated high school from Butte Central, where she was a member of the Drill Team. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Montana College in Dillon.
Kristy was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She loved spending time with her children and attending all their sporting events and other activities. She was a big fan of music, especially classic rock, and never missed an opportunity to attend a concert with her friends or to have a good time. She loved to travel and see the world. In past years she visited, Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ireland, London, and Paris. During her 33 years of working at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Montana she also developed many long-lasting friendships.
Kristy is survived by her children Taylor Amestoy (Jacob Holden) and Nic Amestoy. Her mother, Beverly Monahan, sister, Kelly Monahan, aunt and uncles Leo Calcaterra, Dan & Terry Seymour, Barbara & Bob Richards, and Jim & Marie Seymour and numerous cousins. Also, by her newly adopted kitten, Stanley Tucci.
Kristy was preceded in death by her father, John “Jack” Monahan and her grandparents, John & Alvey Monahan and Martin & Irma Seymour.
Kristy’s funeral service will take place Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00 am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, Montana. Reception to follow at Fox Ridge Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helena Food Share to which Kristy frequently donated.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 16, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday December 16, 2023
Fox Ridge Golf Course
4020 Lake Helena Dr.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 16, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday December 16, 2023
Fox Ridge Golf Course
4020 Lake Helena Dr.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Laura Malec says
Kristy is a friend, mentor, and esteemed colleague… she will be missed greatly! Her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time… we are truly sorry for your loss. Kristy was quick with a smile, a positive attitude, a “you betcha!”, and always wonderful guidance on how to do something in our world of regulatory compliance! Her presence will be missed throughout HCSC, and especially our BDA team.
Aliece Turner says
My prayers for strength and comfort to Kristy’s family and friends in the time of need. My sincere condolences
Deb Davis says
There are no words to express the sorrow I feel from the passing of Kristy. I worked with Kristy for quite a few years at Blue Cross Blue Shield and she was always one of my favorites. Always willing to help and always had a smile for you. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
Angela Herzog says
Kristy was an amazing boss, mentor and friend. I am thankful I got the opportunity to know her the last few years. Her smile, kindness, honesty and not subtle facial expressions will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time.
Colleen Leibfried says
Kristy was a kind, smart, hard-working and all around beautiful person. It was my pleasure to work with her for several years. She had a great sense of humor and I always enjoyed our interactions. Prayers for her family and those who knew her. She was a true gem.
Florence H Shaw says
Sending thoughts and prayers to Kristy’s family at this most difficult time.
Worked with Kristy at BCBS for a number of years and she was truly a bright light for all that had the opportunity to know her.
RIP.
Jason Elliott says
I am so sorry for Kristy’s loss and pray for the Lord to comfort the entire family. At times like these, the following scripture verse gives me much comfort: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22.
Mariya LaFromboise says
Kristy was an icon to have as a boss and leader, always advocating for her staff through her many years of knowledge and experience. She was hilarious and had a great laugh; I think as a team we shared more laughs than grrs. Even though we had not worked together since the end of 2022, I often find myself using bits of advice and wisdom I learned from her or her example, she will always be someone I look up to when shaping my career. Things that stand out to me in memories was her love of food, music and that she spoke often of how proud she was of her children, family and friends. She will be sorely missed by all, including me.
Debbie says
An amazing kind compassionate person. So many fond memories with her and her children.
Gary and Brenda says
We are so blessed to have met Kristy. Had our daughters not been best friends, we may not have ever had the opportunity to meet and get to know her. Stacia spoke fondly of “Mama Kristy” and we are all heartbroken that she left us so soon. She had a smile that could light up any room and a laugh that was contagious. Rest in peace Kristy, until we meet again!
Nikki Cory says
I worked with Kristy for several years at BCBSMT. She was such a sweetie. I am saddened to hear of her passing. My sincere condolences to her children and the rest of her family.
RIP Pretty Lady.
Errick Phillips says
Kristy was a beautiful person, with a bright, shining soul. I had the pleasure of working with her at HCSC/BCBS for a few years.
We worked together, essentially in the same job, just working in different states. As a consequence, we worked together with the same people and on the same projects, in the same meetings, and making joint presentations for several hours most days.
When I first started, I was overwhelmed with the work and what needed to be done. On one of my very first projects, I told her I wasn’t sure what to do or how to handle it. She volunteered to take a significant piece of the work on her own and handle it. She could tell I was stressed and wasn’t sure of the expectations for the project. She took the pressure off me and let me focus on the things I was good at while making sure the things that needed to get done, got done. I knew very quickly that I had met a good friend and someone I could trust.
Soon, I was able to return the favor, to help her with the things that she needed a different perspective or just a few more hours of elbow grease. Our skills fit together quite well, and over time I was able to support her in the way that she supported me.
I was closer to Kristy than anyone else I have ever worked with. Eventually, she commented to me that her friends told her that she talked about me so much that they called me her ‘work husband’. I hadn’t really heard the term before, but was proud that she was my ‘work wife’. I personally think that ‘work brother’ and/or ‘work sister’ would be a better fit, but hey, I was proud either way.
Kristy helped keep me grounded. When the stress of a brutal work environment got to me, and I went way too far in what I said, Kristy thanked me for saying what needed to be said. Even when it was the wrong thing to do, she told me that she admired me for having the courage to speak the truth. That was who she was, someone who remained positive and lifted others up, regardless of the circumstances.
Eventually, I found greener pastures for work, and Kristy encouraged me to find them. Knowing that if I left, it would mean more work for her (since we split the work together so well, according to our strengths, and that she would probably have to train my replacement), she knew it would be better for me to leave.
She was so, so proud of the hard work and accomplishments of Taylor and Nic (and as someone with a oddly-spelled name, know that she was fiercely protective of the spelling of his name). I never had the pleasure of meeting either of them, but from everything I’ve heard from her, they are beautiful people who will carry on her legacy and make the world a better place.
After I left, we kept in touch. Not as much as we should have, and I am ashamed to admit that she made a better effort to keep in touch than I did. Every time we spoke, she was always optimistic. Work was the same as it always was, but she had a good outlook and was doing well. The last time we talked, she was so happy about her new kitten, and since I had for the first time gotten a new kitten myself, we had a nice conversation. I will always cherish our last chat.
I wish we had one more.
The world can be such a cruel place sometimes.
My heart broke when I heard the news of her passing. So many people were so kind to reach out to me to tell me of her passing. My heart broke again each time another person reached out. But it is a sign of how many hearts she touched, that so many would be concerned for the people who cared for her.
Her optimism and desire to see the best in people and the world around her will be an example for me for the rest of my life.
I will never live up to it, but she will always inspire me to try.
For that, I am forever grateful.
Goodbye, and goodnight my friend. The world is a better place because you were in it.
Laura Whale says
Taylor and family., so sorry for your loss! We were your Moms next door neighbors in East Helena. We had the disabled dogs. She was a nice lady.