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Mary Jeske Obituary
Mary Frances was the daughter of Frank Joseph and Laura (Renouard) Laird. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Jeske of Milwaukee; her parents, and her brothers, Frank Joseph Jr. (Joe) and Edward R. (Ned). Survivors include her brother, Jack and his wife, Kay, of Pocasset, Mass.; her sister, Sister Eileen Marie of Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate in Monroe, N.Y.; sisters-in-law, Andreé Laird of Big Fork, Mont. and Mary Laird of Billings, Mont.; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews to whom she brought great joy throughout her life.
As is so typical of Mary Frances' humility, she requested that no formal obituary be published in the paper documenting her gifts and accomplishments. As an alternative for the many whose lives she has irrevocably touched, the family has established a permanent guest book at Legacy.com where memories and tributes to Mary Frances can be recorded and shared by all who loved her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Jeske
Michael Prendergst
February 22, 2013
She was an amazing women and filled with such faith. I had her at Carroll for Native American Literature. When she moved back to Butte I would accept her unique soups (peanut butter cucumber, lentil with seaweed, butternut squash with raisens etc...) each week during Lent when I gave her and a few other women from the parish a ride to Lenten devotions. With great affection we refered to her stride as the teaberry shuffle...awyas in touch with the wonder of creation. Mary Frances thanks for making us all smile.
February 22, 2013
Mary Frances was a caring, private, and sensitive teacher.
To graduate from Carroll in the 1960's one had to pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations in both your major and minor. My minor was English. My English classes had been spread over 10 years at three universities.
I flunked my first written English comprehensive; thus I could not take my oral comp. (No pass; no graduate).
After cramming over Easter vacation, I managed to pass my English written comprehensive and went on to take my oral comprehensive. Following the oral, Dr. Ward (head of the English Dept.), Hank Burgess, and Mrs. Jeske asked me to step outside while they went into a huddle. After what seemed like an eternity, Mary Frances came out and congratulated me on my "stick-to-it" spirit and announced that I had passed my English comprehensives with honors.
At 75 yrs. of age I have not forgotten that moment. Nor have I forgotten Mary Frances Jeske.
God bless her and may she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Greg Martin
Carroll College class of 1965
Rita and Denny Quinn
February 22, 2013
We have such wonderful memories of Mrs. Jeske and our interactions with her in the early 1960's when we were students at Carroll. She was such a sweet, kind person who was able to convey to everyone around her that they were cared for and very special.
She presented us with a wonderful Bel-leek butter plate as a wedding gift and we have cherished the memories that it brings us of her.
February 18, 2013
She was a wonderful friend to my family, sharing many holiday dinners at our house. When I moved to Butte she lived just down the street and I would run over to shovel her walk after each snow storm and someone else would have already beat me to it. Everyone loved and admired her. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Ron Laird
February 18, 2013
MARY FRANCES JESKE EULOGY
(As close as I can remember what I said)
Good Morning!
My name is Ron Laird, I am Mary Frances's nephew and Ned Laird's son, who was Mary Fran's youngest brother. I am representing all of Mary Fran's nieces and nephews today as they have sent me different memories and comments they have. They have sent me several pages of information, so I attempted to condense it into common thoughts. Some of their thoughts will echo what Father Hall said earlier.
On behalf of the Laird and Renouard families, we want to thank you for being here today. I know that several of you have assisted Mary Fran through the years and want to thank those of you who took her food, cared for her at the house, taking her around town, and even visiting her after she was at Copper Ridge. Thank you to our vocalist and organist today. What a beautiful voice you have. I could actually feel her presence as you sang the Ave Maria.
A special thanks to Tom and Diana Renouard. They were my local contact in putting this funeral together and you can see the involvement of their family in this mass today. (Their oldest daughter was a Eucharistic Minister, and two of their boys were altar boys) Thank you, Tom and Diana.
Mary Frances was certainly special to all of us and I am sure had a positive impact on each of you here today. The family has set up a place for you to share your memories of Mary Fran on Legacy.com. It is listed on the back of your brochure in the announcement.
My mom had suggested using the Prayer of St. Francis in the brochure this morning as Mary Fran certainly lived that prayer. I couldn't help but think how appropriate it was to be praying the Rosary last night on Valentine's Day, a day we recognize for love, and here we were showing our love for Mary Fran and praying a Rosary that she loved to do so much.
She was a private and humble person. As a family we honored her request in the paper by not having a full obituary which told of her gifts and accomplishments throughout her life, however - - - that didn't mean we wouldn't share those things with you today.
Mary Fran was born on July 11, 1920, living a productive life for 92+ years. She graduated from Butte High School and then went on to receive her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Montana. Mary Fran pursued many special studies at Universities around the country. One of those Universities was Marquette, where she met her future husband Arthur Jeske.
This may be something that a lot of you do not know, but Mary Fran married Arthur on August 26, 1950. He then became ill on their honeymoon and passed away a couple weeks later on September 9, 1950. As you can imagine, this loss was very devastating to Mary Frances. She searched for a few years as to where her life was headed and ended up being hired as an English Professor at Carroll College where she would stay for over 20 years mentoring and having a positive impact on the lives of many. I actually had Mary Fran as an English teacher when I attended Carroll. She gave me a “C”, which was probably a gift. She was a great teacher.
While she was at Carroll, she was promoted to Department Chair, but turned down the opportunity. This sounds exactly like her, she suggested that the position be given instead to a male colleague who had a family to support and to whom the financial gains would therefore make a bigger difference.
Mary Frances was asked to start a program at Carroll College when the federal government proposed that a Native American Studies programs be included as an option for scholarly study. She took a sabbatical and traveled widely to learn directly about Native American culture and then started one of the nation's first such programs.
She continued to seek out and engage in opportunities to learn more deeply about the Native American culture throughout her lifetime. We lived in Billings and I remember when she came and spent time on the Crow Reservation.
She was recognized and honored in numerous ways over the years by various Native American tribes, including being invited to participate in ceremonies normally closed to outsiders.
As expected, she developed many lifelong friendships among the Native Americans with whom she worked, studied, and socialized.
As my cousin Margo stated, “to interact with Mary Frances was to experience two continuous, bright rays of light - One from who she was…her inner beauty and joy…and one from directly demonstrating God's goodness and love. Truly living and revealing that love at all times.”
My cousin Eileen shared a story that showed that love and how Mary Fran did not judge people.
When she was 22 years old, she got a tattoo of a buffalo on her forearm. As you can imagine, being a parent, her mother was not very happy with her, concerned that she would not be able to get a job or that no one would marry her. My cousin Margot, who was older, also went with her for moral support. So Andree Laird, Margot's mom, was not happy with her for not being a better role model. When she sent a letter explaining its meaning and all the drama that it had created to Mary Fran, she replied with a note that simply said, "Give your buffalo a kiss from me."
Mary Fran had shared a spiritual guide book with my cousin Maureen. Maureen thought the following passage from the book captured Mary Fran's life.
In every age, there are a small number of men and women who fashion Catholicism into a lifestyle, they listen attentively to the voice of God in their lives, and they passionately pursue their personal adventure of salvation. As a result, they capture the attention and the imaginations of everyone who crosses their path. These men and women are the happiest people who ever lived. They are the heroes of Christianity; they are the saints.
All the way to the end she lived her faith. She shared a story with many people who visited with her at Copper Ridge. She had talked with Jesus and he was bringing her home. Mary Fran was ready to go “home”.
Mary Fran was also very generous. She didn't have a lot, but still gave most of what she had away to others. There was a time when someone had bought her pots and pans because hers were so old and then the next time they would visit, she would be still be using her old pans. When asked where the new pots and pans were, she would reply that she gave them to someone who needed them.
I remember, after Mary Fran had retired, and was living on a fixed income, my dad brought her some information on a program through the power company that provided heat assistance to those who may need it. Mary Frances got very excited and said in her sweet voice “what a wonderful idea!” She then went on to say that she would like to sign up for contributing to it for others! Never did it occur to her to sign up on the receiving end.
Mary Fran epitomized what it meant to be a lifelong learner. She was an avid reader, developed a high level of expertise, understanding, and appreciation for everything she learned about. Some examples of areas she explored and continued to learn about were: other cultures, multiple forms of art, politics of the day and was active with the peace group here in Butte. As a matter of fact, I learned last night that the group had honored her with the “Person of Hope” award.
Mary Frances always made a profound impact on those who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. As my cousin Sean Laird said, “I can't imagine life without her in it.”
Her interest in others was deep and always authentic. She always wanted to know what was happening in the lives of others and remembered everything you shared with her. She celebrated each and every victory in our lives, empathized with our life challenges, and loved us as we are.
She was able to live by what is good, true and noble.
Mary Frances was a gift of grace!!!
Martha Cooney
February 15, 2013
Mary Frances was a wonderful friend to my father, Ole Ueland. My father has passed also but we wish to send our condolences and sympathy. She was a beautiful lady.
Love,
Martha Ueland Cooney
Deanna Blotkamp
February 13, 2013
My husband and I met Mary Frances about three years ago while attending a film series at the public library in Butte. I was drawn to her for the reason that her entire being radiated beauty and warmth - I couldn't help but go to her and say something. After meeting her, my husband joined our conversation and realized that she taught him at Carroll College – Mary Frances even remembered the story that my husband had written for a class assignment some 30 years ago. The three of us developed a friendship after this initial meeting; we found her to be such a special and extraordinary person. She was very learned, yet very humble. She carried a quiet joy and peacefulness within herself – being with her was like being in the presence of a divine being. I feel so honored to have known her; she will continue to be for me a beautiful example of God's perfect love. Thank you Mary Frances.
Joan O'Neill
February 13, 2013
What a blessing it was to have Mary Frances as our neighbor and friend. With her rosy cheeks and contagious smile she always made you feel like you were special. Even when she wasn't feeling well she would come outside to thank you for even the simplest gesture and give blessings to you and your loved ones. She joined us on Christmas a few years ago and lit up the whole house with her smile and warmth. Our last visit was just before Christmas at the nursing home. She was delighted with the vanilla shake I brought her and in typical fashion, spent most of the visit asking about my family and kids. What a privilege it is to have known her.
Ed, Joan, Kane & Konnor O'Neill
Rachel Yerkich
February 13, 2013
Mary Frances was such a wonderful woman. Having her as part of our family was a blessing in itself. Ill never forget every Christmas she would bring me a neatly wrapped book, an American Girl cookbook. I loved baking out of it and a few times I'd bring her and my gramma samples! :) She will truly be missed. Love you
Tom Tierney
February 13, 2013
A wonder kind professor at Carroll. We did joke about her talking with the trees, flowers, etc. But now as I age I find myself doing the same. God's speed.
Sean Milligan
February 13, 2013
I will truly miss a fantastic neighbor and friend. I'll always remember her for never getting angry with me when I was showing off my golf skills and hit a golf ball though her window many years ago. Just a few years ago she came over to my house and prayed with me when I was in a motorcycle accident. Rest in peace Mary Fran the 1000 block of Empire will never be the same without you.
Eileen Laird
February 12, 2013
I remember our last visit with Mary Fran. We spent our days cooking simple meals together, walking the hilly streets and meeting a steady steam of people who loved her, "discouraging" the dandelions and weeds in the yard, singing, napping, listening to her share family stories, and soaking up the peace of her presence. We'll miss her, but are so honored to have known and loved her.
Thomas Laird
February 12, 2013
We were always close . she always cared about my likes dislikes hobbies n always encouraged me in every way. the trips we took out to visit her n gramma in Montana were some of the best times of my life. were all gonna meet again in the end. im gonna miss u Mary Fran . xoxo
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