Mary Joyce (Mondloch) Williams, died at Rosetta Assisted Living in Helena on Wednesday, April 2, 2015, of complications related to dementia. She was born in Butte on June 3, 1928 , to Dr. Lorin and Mary Mondloch.
Joyce attended schools in Butte, graduating early to enroll in Boston Conservatory to pursue a vocal career. While there she was guest soloist for the Boston Pops, directed by Arthur Fiedler. After returning to Butte she was guest soloist for the Pops when that orchestra performed at Community Concert. She loved her time in Boston, especially Sunday brunches with a gang of fellow musicians and actors, including Orson Welles. Friends and family were treated over the years to impromptu performances at the family home on Christmas eve after midnight Mass with Joyce leading the singing accompanied by Karl Wright into the wee hours of the morning.
Joyce married Joseph Williams on May 12, 1948. They raised seven children. He died in 1985. Joyce earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the College of Great Falls in 1962. She taught music and German in the Butte School District for 25 years, retiring in 1991. After her retirement, she moved to Helena to be closer to family.
Joyce lived many years at Vista Square in Helena. Grandkids were always a part of her days, frequently dropping in for overnights and breakfast or lunch at Jorgenson’s.
Survivors include daughters, Karen (John) Rickert of St. Paul and Kristine Menicucci of Belgrade; sons, Robert Williams of Missoula, Joseph (Lori) Williams of Helena, James (Cheryl) Williams of Butte, and Thomas Williams of Oregon; son-in-law, Karl Loch of Billings; sister, Jill Selon of Great Falls; brothers, James (Maria) Mondloch of Albuquerque, and Jack (Maggie Driscoll) Mondloch; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Mary and Lorin; daughter, JoEllen Loch; grandchildren Theresa Anton, Sara Loch, Meghan Williams, and Brent Rickert; son-in-law Joseph Menicucci; daughter-in-law Judy Williams; sisters Joan Scharf and Judy Jiles.
Special thanks to the staff of Rosetta Assisted Living for the excellent care they provided for mom. And to Joyce’s nephew John Scharf, for his love and assistance in caring for mom – especially innumerable lunch dates at Perkins.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Funeral Reception will follow the Mass in at the church. A private family graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte. In lieu of flowers memorials in Joyce’s name are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting: www.stjude.org or to the Shriner’s, Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday April 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Mass
Thursday April 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday April 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Mass
Thursday April 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Pat Armstrong says
Sorry for your loss but there was a big crowd waiting on the other side.
Melanie Scharf says
Joyce was a great lady I loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed & remembered.Mine and my parents sincere condolences and prayers all the families. I know my parents and I considered her family.
All our love n prayers,
Melanie, Charlene & Ron Scharf
Mary Schroeder says
As a member of St. Mary Pastoral Care, I had the privilege of taking the Eucharist to Joyce at the Rosetta House. She was so thankful to receive the Eucharist and remembered all the responses. I was a person blessed to know Joyce and spend time with her. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
Mary Schroeder
Diana Davis says
Joyce was one of my favorite teachers at West Jr High. She was always so nice. I later became best friends with JoEllen and the rest of the family. I remember hanging out at their house on Granite Street and the big grey cat “Jacob” I think was his name. I use to sit in the chair next to Joyce’s baby grand piano as she played one of my favorites “Rhapsody in Blue”. She was amazing!! I can almost hear her playing for the angels. I know she will be missed by this wonderful family. Even though I haven’t seen any of you for a long time – I never forgot about any of you and how kind and caring you all are. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Diana
Darwin Feakes says
Joyce was a beautiful strong woman. I will miss her but know she is in a better place now. I know all the children will miss her as well she was like a mother to me. I remember and can still hear her beautiful voice singing in the church. She raised a great group of kids as evidence of her commitment to family as well as her great work in school.