Janet Marie McElwain O’Connell, 71, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2022 after a very brave battle with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her children and her husband.
Jan was born in Deer Lodge, Montana on November 17, 1950 to Hugh McElwain and Martha Speer McElwain. In 1952 the family moved to the little house with the big chimney at Fort Missoula. After graduating from Sentinel High School, Janet moved to Helena where she met Rick O’Connell. They married on July 31, 1971, in Marysville Montana.
Jan had several different careers. She was the reluctant co-founder of the Marysville House with Rick, worked in estate sales with her mother-in-law, and was in retail clothing sales before settling into furniture sales at Ruckers Furniture. She helped many Helena families turn their houses into homes during the 20 years she worked there.
Jan’s most loved job was as a mom to Ryan, Shane, and Kelsey. She provided her children gentle guidance, wise advice, and unconditional support. She became a Mimi in 2001, and she and Rick loved caring for and playing with their grandkids.
After Jan retired, she and Rick spent much of their time at their cabin. She prided herself in the beautiful flowers that she grew both there and at home. Her other hobbies included playing pinochle with her long-standing group, putting a five in, paving the information super highway with her sister, spoiling her grandkids, and worrying about and loving her children endlessly.
Jan is survived by the love of her life, Rick; her children Ryan O’Connell (Alissa), Shane O’Connell (Kerrigan), and Kelsey Ashmore (Matt); siblings Tom McElwain (Carol) and Johanna (Jone) Hayes (Mike); grandchildren Kyler and Logan O’Connell, Brennan and Casey O’Connell, Keira and Jack Ashmore, and Logan and Gavin Beattie; sisters-in-law Colleen Nichols (Dan) and Deb Peterson; brother-in-law Bobby O’Connell; and too many friends and family to list, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
A service will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Mortuary on Friday, October 28 at 1 pm, with a reception following at Jorgenson’s. In lieu of flowers, Jan requested donations to St. Peter’s Hospice or Helena Food Share.
We are thankful for the extraordinary care Jan received from Dr. Elizabeth Bigger and the staff at Cancer Treatment Center, St. Peter’s Hospice, and Dr. Meghan Peterson from Billings Clinic.
We will love you forever, Mom. See you later.
Lorry Parriman says
The O’Connell and Parriman families go way back. For me it has been 49 years. Jan and I spent a few dinner birthdays together to celebrate our November birthdays. I wish we had done more. She furnished a couple of our houses too. Jan was always so very nice and I loved her laugh. She will be deeply missed.
Merry Lou Casteel says
Jan was a dear lady. I love you all. 💕
Bill Coddington says
So sorry to read this news Rick. Peace of Christ be with and your children.
Curt Sue Chisholm says
We will miss this beautiful lady…Jan was sweet and kind and had such a great sense of humor…we treasure the special friendship we have been blessed to share with the wonderful O’Connell family for the last fifty years. Lots of love, laughs and memories we hope will bring comfort to all during this sad and trying time of grieving…Sending love, hugs, kisses and prayers and we are here if there is anything we can help with…Know your guardian angel will be walking along side you every day! ♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️
Dan Purcell says
We are saddened to hear of your loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. Know that many people have all of you in their thoughts and prayers. Hang on to the good memories of her.
Dan & Pam Purcell
Arlis Pfeffer says
So sorry for your loss Rick and family. Cherish your beautiful memories, as she will live in your hearts forever.
Tom M Juhl says
Rick sorry to hear of the passing of Jan. My condolences to you and the Family……
Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
We are so heartbroken to hear this Rick and family. I loved Jan and know now she is in a better place. So happy to have been a friend
with such a sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now, and the days and weeks ahead. God Bless. 💔🥲🙏🏼
Janice Schenk says
Rick, Ryan, Shane and Kelsey and families,
So sorry to hear this news, Jan’s loss will definitely be heart felt in our Community. Our love and thoughts are with you all during this time of saying “Goodbye” Jan
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars & Jim DeMars says
We are so sorry to learn of Jan’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by so many. Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Kevin Bartsch says
Rick- So sorry to hear of your loss. Hang in there friend.
Wally and Michelle Johnston says
We are so saddened and our prayers and thoughts are with you , Rick, and the rest of your family. Jan was a wonderful person with a great laugh! She furnished much of two of our homes -she was an enormous help to me. We always planned to do more in celebrating our November bdays and I am sorry we didn’t get that accomplished. We were all fortunate to have known Jan. God’s Blessings to you all.
Vanessa Tolson says
Rick and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jan was a beautiful lady and will be missed by many.
Karleen Hanson says
I can only think what an incredible women Jan must have been. Anyone can feel and see the strength and deep love of the O’Connell family. My prayers are with you my dear friends.
Rick Broadwater says
My condolences to the O’Connell family.
Larry and Kathy Brown says
To Rick an they entire O’Connell family we are so sorry for your loss, we keep you all in our prayers
Kryss Kuntz says
Dear Rickster & family,
My heart is saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. The whole family, and many friends were blessed to have been a part of the O’Connell tribe. Once you were “in” she never treated you as a stranger, but more like family. The O’Connell home was always open with a warm smile, and a hug or two. It’s sad to say, Helena will be less bright without her in it!
BIG hugs to you Rick and your entire clan. Let her light always shine in your hearts. See ya on the flip side Jan. ❤️🤟
Theresa & Byron Stahly says
Rick and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a great lady and great life lived. Cherish your memories to carry you on.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Rick and family, our thoughts and prayers go to you on the passing of Jan 😢🙏
Marlene Barbour says
Dear Rick & family, I’am so sorry for your lose of Jan.
Tori Geich says
Jan was the best! I met her at 17 when we worked together at the Paragon Clothing Downtown. We were instant friends then, even though years apart in age. I would often see her at Ruckers for furniture purchases or just around Helena. I will miss her bright smile, voice and laugh. May your memories keep you. 🤍
Durk & Paula Pipinich says
Rick so sorry for your loss.
Denise & Jim Backstrom says
Rick & family. So sorry to hear about Jan. She was so much fun to be with. She will be missed by many. I can still hear her singing the country western twang songs. Hugs to all..
The Lamb Family says
Dear Rick and Family – We are so sorry for the passing of Jan. It won’t be long when all the memories and laughter take over, and even if the tears take over at times, your heart will feel lighter and Jan will feel closer. You are all in our hearts and prayers. The Lambs
Rob Rule says
Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. Jan will be missed by all of you. Take comfort in the fact that she is no longer in pain and is being embraced by our Lord and Savior.
Kathie Zanto says
My prays r with u and the “kids”. Jan and I had some good times in the early years of raising r our kids in the Hawthorne years. She will be missed by many.
Tom Erving says
Rick, I am so sorry, Jan was the BEST. Keep you all in my prayers
William Berg says
Rick, I’m so sorry to see that Jan had passed. You and your family are in my Thoughts and Paryers.
Sally Nyland says
Rick,
I met Jan years ago when we both worked for the Department of Revenue. Wow, that’s going back a few years. Jan was such a great lady and I will always remember her smile. When she smiled, her eyes would also smile.
Please accept my condolences to you and family and know you are all in my thoughts at this difficult time. Rest in Peace “dear lady”.
Mary Ann and Larry Akers says
Rick and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. She was so lovely and so courageous; she will be greatly missed by many. Unfortunately, we will not be in Helena at the time of her service. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers at that time and in the days to come. Rest peacefully, Jan. Your memory is a blessing to all who knew you.
Dudley Williams says
Rick and family; sorry to see where Jan has passed. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
David Burton says
Rick, I didn’t know your partner of so many years. My sincere condolences for you & your family at this time of sadness but also joy in celebrating your life together.
Mike, Jane & Andrew Bishop says
Rick, Shane & Family:
Rick- you sure picked a great wife & a wonderful Mom for your kids. We have enjoyed your friendship over the years.
We are so sorry for your loss.
…Bish
Tim Easton says
Rick and Family. So sorry for your loss. Prayers coming your way. God Speed Jan.
Don and Wilma Hurni says
Were so sorry for your loss she will be missed by all.
Rose and Taylor berg says
Rick and family you all are in our prayers and hearts if we can help with anything please let us know 💜💜💜
Rick McAlmond says
Rick I just found about Jan, I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Jeff and Kim Warren says
Dear Rick Ryan and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. . Jan will be missed by so many. . The memories are a blessing. Love the Warren Family
Connie Peterson Moze says
To Rick and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Bob and Connie Peterson Moze
Karen Talseth Schultz says
Dear Rick, your old classmate just wanted to let you know she’s thinking of you and your family at this difficult time, and is sending warm wishes and peace your way.
Annell Fillinger says
Rick and Family, I was so sorry to read of Jan’s passing. I remember her wonderful smile and gentle ways. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May the Lord wrap you and your family in His love and comfort through this time. You are in my prayers.
Linda Tootell (Adams) Thomas says
My heartfelt condolences, Rick, to you & family over Jan’s passing. Although it had been a long time, I remember well just how lovely she was. May wonderful memories and the love of family and friends help get you through these difficult times.💝
Erickson Family says
We enter the world crying
and the world smiles
We leave the world smiling
and the world cries
Dixie aka marilyn Brenden says
Dear Rick, Ryan, Shane and Kelsey: Jan was one of a kind friend, Wife and Mom! She was a great woman and will be missed. I am so sorry for your great liss!❤️🙏🏻🥰