Lorna Lee Johns November 6, 1937 – June 18, 2025
Early Wednesday morning, June 18th, Lorna Lee Johns, age 87, passed away peacefully, hand in hand with her beloved husband Tom, concluding nearly 37 years of a deeply loving life together in Montana, and continuing that love now in spirit, both in heaven and here on earth. Though her passing appeared gentle, it brought great sorrow to the one who held her hand.
Lorna was born on November 6, 1937, at St. John’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. She was raised in the mining town of Marysville by her father Clarence, a miner, and her mother Ruth, a cook. The middle child of three, she grew up alongside her older sister Darlene and younger brother Dennis.
At the age of five, Lorna was chosen by her family to live with and care for her maternal grandmother, who suffered from a heart condition. Though a significant task for a young child, Lorna cared for her grandmother with unwavering love and commitment. This early experience shaped her tender heart and instilled a deep compassion and lifelong trust in the Lord. She would often walk alone to attend weekly Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marysville—demonstrating a spiritual maturity beyond her years.
Lorna graduated from Helena High School in 1955 and later married her classmate, Philip Mooney. Together, they raised four children: Denise, Thomas, Michael, and Maria. While devoted to her family, Lorna also built a long career with Mountain Bell, working there until her retirement.
Her story of caring continued when she accepted an offer from Thomas Johns to help care for his two sons, Kyle and Kevin. A new chapter of love began when Lorna and Tom married in October 1988, residing in Helena. They later returned to Marysville after serendipitously restoring her grandparents’ old home—bringing her life full circle.
Lorna’s faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Community, she served the church in countless ways: teaching religious education, bringing communion to veterans at the VA Hospital and residents in care homes, baking communion bread, and tending to the sacred linens. Her humble, generous service left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
At home, Lorna nourished her family not only with love, but with the comfort of home-cooked meals. She had a meal ready on the table each day, and her kitchen was a place of warmth and gathering. She passed down beloved recipes like her famous pear pie and her mother Ruth’s Husky Truck Stop rolls, proudly teaching her children and grandchildren how to cook with care, joy, and generosity—just as she lived.
She was also a deeply proud grandmother—blessed with 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Lorna loved attending their sporting events, especially baseball. Distance was never an obstacle when it came to showing up and cheering them on; every game was an adventure for her.
Lorna is survived by her loving husband Tom; her children Denise Sheehy, Thomas Mooney, Michael (Jen) Mooney, and Maria (Mark) Rose; her stepchildren Kyle (Linda) Johns and Kevin (Jeri) Johns; sister-in-law Miriam Haley; along with her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Ruth Haley, siblings Darlene O’Leary and Dennis Haley, and a baby brother who died at birth.
Rest in peace, our Lorna—loving wife, kind mama, special grandma, and understanding friend to so many. We will remember you in the rhythm of our daily lives and on our most cherished occasions, always walking our way back to you.
”Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff at St. Peter’s Hospital. The compassion and care shown by the Oncology Department, Emergency Room, Medical Care, and Hospice teams was nothing short of extraordinary.
A vigil will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marysville on Monday, June 30th at 6:00 PM. The funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, July 1st at 12:10 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Helena, followed by a reception. A procession to Resurrection Cemetery will immediately follow the reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lorna’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Community, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marysville, or the Marysville Pioneer Association. Those who wish to send floral arrangements are also welcome to do so.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6PM
Monday June 30, 2025
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
253 Grand Street
Marysville, Montana 59640
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 11:30a.m.
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Saint Joseph's Room
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10p.m.
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , MT 59601
Burial
Following Reception
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , MT 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6PM
Monday June 30, 2025
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
253 Grand Street
Marysville, Montana 59640
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 11:30a.m.
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Saint Joseph's Room
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10p.m.
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , MT 59601
Burial
Following Reception
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , MT 59602
Share
Rick O'Connell says
Tom and family. So sorry to hear of Lorna passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane & Jose says
We are so sorry to hear about Lorna. She made good huckleberry pies.
Rest in peace. God Bless
Dcn. Steve Barry says
Tom and family, we’re praying for you during this time of loss. May the memories of your remarkable time together bring you joy and hope knowing that one day you’ll be together again! Eternal rest grant unto Lorna O’Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Maureen LaChere says
What a lovely lady. I have many fond memories of Lorna. Peace & comfort to her loved ones.
Michelle Van Nice says
So very sorry to read of your Mom’s passing – she was such a dear lady. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle Van Nice (Matyas)
Colleen Nichols says
Tom and family, we are so sorry to hear of Lorna’s passing. She was such a nice lady and will be missed by all who knew her. She was such a supporter of Marysville. Dan and Colleen Nichols
Karen Lundin says
Tom and family, we are so sorry to hear of Lorna’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Jerry & Karen Lundin
Terry Beaver says
Tom,
I am so sorry for your loss, it is bearable only because it must be.
Because you loved, there will be tears.
Because you laughed, there will be memories.
Because she lived, there will still be joy.
The best advise I can give you is a saying that I received on a card that stated.
“Grieve not that she is gone ,but rejoice in that she was.”
She was wonderful to so many in so many ways.
Terry
Denise Smigaj says
Dear Tom and Maria and families
Laura was an awesome lady A gift to us all
We will miss her greatly
God bless and she is looking down from Heaven and sending love and prayers
Love Deni
LeeAnne says
I love you, Lorna, rest in peace. May your family have the joy of knowing you are no longer suffering.
Janet Neumiller says
I am deeply saddened to read of Lorna’s passing. What a lovely lady and someone I loved to visit with whether at a baseball game when our kids were little or at St. Mary’s Church. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Janet Neumiller