Mona Jean Mayer (née Cuchine) of Helena passed away Sunday, October 20 after a brief illness. She was 69 years old.
Mona was born in Helena on February 8, 1950 to Merle Jean Cuchine (née Seaman) and Charles Walter “Charlie” Cuchine. With her parents and brothers Glen James Cuchine and Walter Edward Cuchine, Mona’s family lived first in Clancy and then East Helena. Mona attended East Helena Elementary School through 8th grade, graduating from Helena High School in June 1968.
Valentine’s Day 1970, George w. Mayer sent her a jungle-themed card with a tiger on the front, inscribed “To put it mildly, I like you wildly” and asked her on a date. She agreed, and they dated for 27 days before George proposed. They married on January 9, 1971.
In April 1971, they settled into their lifetime home on Knight Street on Helena’s west side. Their son Andrew Charles was born in May 1972, followed by daughter Betsy Jean Ann in October 1975.
Mona’s career started at the state of Montana, followed by a stint with Montana Data, returning to the state 5 years later, and retiring in 1999. On retirement, Mona became “Chief Painter” for George’s woodworking business, and crocheted baby blankets and washcloths. They spent Saturdays at the Helena Farmer’s Market, selling their handicrafts.
December 1994 saw the arrival of her first grandson, Jessiah Lee Timothy Mayer, with second grandson Harrison Timothy Robert Francis following in March 2003. Mona adored her grandchildren: taking them to school daily, buying them far too much ice cream, and heaping them with love. After Betsy’s family relocated to Missoula, Mona and George would “just happen to stop by” several times a month to visit.
Mona visited son Andrew in Seattle, bringing her grandsons to the coast, and buying a series of beloved red VW Jettas. In 2012, Mona and George welcomed Harrison to live with them. She sat on the Helena Farmer’s Market board for 14 years and had a booth at the Market with George every Saturday for nearly 25 years. Andrew brought her souvenir bags everywhere from Madrid to Pittsburgh to Manila, and she loved using them to carry crochet supplies and projects.
Mona was preceded in death by beloved grandmothers Mary Elizabeth “Mame” Holloway and Marvel Beatrice Seaman; grandfather Glen B. Seaman and step-grandfathers Harry Mann and Hedley John “Hap” Holloway; parents Merle St. Claire and Charlie Cuchine; and daughter Betsy Francis. She is survived by her husband George of 48 years, her son Andrew, grandson Jessiah and his partner Jared Norwood, grandson Harrison, and her brothers Wally Cuchine and Glen Cuchine.
A celebration of her life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Mona.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the celebration of life
Saturday October 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the celebration of life
Saturday October 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Karen Flanagan says
George,
We offer our condolences at this difficult time for your family. Our prayers are with you all.
Dean & Karen Family
Susan Irish says
Glen,
I was sad to see Mona’s obituary. This will leave a huge hole in George’s life. My prayers are with George. And I was also sad to read about Betsy’s passing. Betsy used to spend time at my home after school until her parents picked her up. I was very fond of Betsy. May they both rest in peace. I hope you are doing well.
Love, Susan Irish
Sharon Heigh says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sharon Baker Heigh class of 1967
Deb Peterson says
George Andrew Jessiah Harrison. So very sorry to hear of the loss of Mona. George you two were such a great example of love and family. I treasure the rocking horse you made for my grandson and all the wood carved animals for me. It was a pleasure working with Mona she will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Marlene Coyle Longfellow says
my thoughts and prayers are with you Glen, Wally, and family,
Jimmy Weg & Kelly O'Sullivan says
George, we want to express our deepest sympathy over the loss of Mona. You had a fabulous life together, even further back than our days in Sonny’s office. It’s rare to find a couple so devoted to one another! We will miss saying hello to Mona at the farmer’s market, but hope to see you there or around town in the future. Take care!
Rick O’Connell says
George and family. The Lord must have needed someone to brighten his day with a big smile. Our hearts go out to you.
Rick and Jan
Louise Wilson says
I’m so sorry. Mona is in a happy place and watching over all of you with her very bright shinny eyes. Hugs for all of you. Louise
Sandi Coyle Benson says
George, Wally, Glen and family – I am shocked reading this news. May the days ahead bring all of you peace and understanding.
Sharon DeBoer says
George, Andrew, Glen, Wally, Jessiah and Harrison, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I treasure the memories I have of her. She was so funny and kind and loving, and there just aren’t enough words. You’re all in my thoughts & prayers, especially you George.
Vanessa Tolson says
George & family, so sorry to read of Mona’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Val Flansaas and Earl Fred says
George we are saddened by the news of Mona. What a wonderful lady. We are holding you and your family in our prayers.
Nancy McGrorty says
George, I was saddened to learn of Mona’s passing. Mona was a special lady and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her . My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Dean Retz says
George – Sue and I were shocked. There are a lot of memories for Sue and I with Mona and your family! GOD BLESS.
Donna Coman says
George, I was saddened to read that Mona had passed away. Please accept my sympathies. I will miss visiting with her when I get to Farmer’s Markets.
Donna Coman
Les Bishop says
George so sorry for your loss. Mona will always be remembered as as caring wife, mother and grandmother. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Smith says
Good morning George and Andrew,
I was so sad to hear about Mona’s death. I’m sure their is a huge hole in both of your hearts. We were in Helena for a few hours Friday morning to replace the table and chairs, Les told me then Mona had passed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mary Smith, Betty Speelmon and Sarah