Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jewel McElhenney Obituary
Missoula, Montana —Our "Jewel" went to Heaven to meet, The Sacred Heart of Jesus and her Teddy, the love of her life and best friend.
Jewel Marie McElhenney, 77, went to Heaven surrounded by her six children and grandchildren, at home in Missoula on Thursday, January 19, 2017.
Jewel was born on February 6, 1939, in Butte, Montana, the first child of Henry and Margaret Dennehy. She grew up on Butte's North Wyoming Street otherwise known as Cork Town, and remained a proud Butte native throughout her life.
Jewel attended St. Mary's Catholic Elementary School and Butte Girl's Central High School, graduating in 1957. It was in high school where she met and started dating her soul mate and love of her life, Teddy McElhenney.
Jewel attended Carroll College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. At Carroll, Jewel was also voted the 1957 Homecoming Queen by the football team - an honor she always cherished.
On August 26, 1961, Jewel and Teddy were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Butte.
After graduation from Carroll College, Jewel and Teddy moved to Missoula, where Jewel was a nurse, and Teddy enrolled at the University of Montana, beginning their one-of-a-kind Love Story. Jewel had a long and distinguished career in nursing and hospital administration, providing loving care to patients at hospitals in Missoula, Miles City and for many years in Great Falls.
Jewel and Teddy were the loving parents of six children: Lori, Teddy Jr., Kara, Scott, Michael and Katy, and later delighted in their roles as "Nana and Papa".
After retiring in 1996, Jewel and Teddy wintered in Arizona and spent summers in Polson, enjoying time with their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. It was during this time that they traveled to places like Ireland, which was truly a dream come true.
In 2014, Jewel's Teddy went to Heaven. Although brokenhearted, she put her sadness and loneliness on hold to ensure her family was able to deal with the grief and loss of their father and Papa. Her strength was unmatched, and love for her family unconditional.
Above all, Jewel was a loving and loyal wife to her Teddy and mother to her six children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren. Jewel's exemplary love for God, family, and life itself set an enduring example for their children and grandchildren to follow.
Survivors include children; Lori (Bob) Vinson of Great Falls, Ted McElhenney Jr. of Great Falls, Kara Joyce of Missoula, Scott (Dawn) McElhenney of Great Falls, Michael (Becky) McElhenney of Los Angeles, Katy (Kevin) Swanson of Missoula and Perry Joyce of Geraldine. Her grandchildren include Eddy (Krystal), Cody (Kalyn), Riley and Kendra Joyce; Bobby (Tara) and Ty (Desiree) Vinson, and Shayna (Tory) Gillespie; KJ and Dougie Swanson; Cody and Logan Henderson and Macie McElhenney; and Michael, Ryan, Madelyn and Elyse McElhenney; Great Grandson Lane and her dog Macky; her brothers Connie and Mickey Denney. Jewel was embraced in Heaven by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Teddy, her Mom, Dad, and many friends and relatives.
Visitation will be one hour before the 7:00 PM vigil service on Thursday, January 26th at St. Anne's Cathedral in Great Falls, MT. A funeral liturgy will take place on Friday, January 27th at 12:00 PM, at St. Anne's Cathedral in Great Falls, MT. Please wear Green in celebration of Jewel's Irish heritage.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends are asked to make donations to The Hospice of Missoula, 800 Kensington Suite 204, Missoula, MT 59801.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jewel McElhenney
Sharon McCrea
January 31, 2017
Dear Lori & Bob, Ted, Kara, Scott, Mike, Katy and your loved ones,
Your mom was one of the most vibrant women I know - both her and your dad electric in their love for each other - their love and faith emanating for all around them! Truly blessed!
Heart broken for your loss! Please know you are warmly in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sharon McCrea
Steve and Shari Douglass
January 29, 2017
McElhenney Family,
So sorry to hear about your mothers passing. What a great person she was. She was the Mom that every kid knew in Great Falls. We are praying for your family. God Bless.
Kelley Powers
January 27, 2017
Jewel and I worked together recently. She was a kind, inspiring soul. My condolences to the family.
David Medina
January 27, 2017
My most sincere and deep condolences to my friends Scott and Katy at this difficult time.
May God give you peace and be with you.
CAROL OBENHOFF
January 27, 2017
I LOVED JEWEL! SHE WORKED WITH MY MOM AT THE HOSPITAL FOR YEARS AND I ALWAYS REMEMBER HER AS SUCH A SWEET SOUL AND WAS CUTE AS CAN BE!
IM SORRY FOR YOUR THAT SHE IS NO LONGER WITH YOU BUT THE WONDERFUL PART IS THAT YOU WILL GET TO SEE HER AGAIN SOME DAY.
KEEP ALL YOUR MEMORIES OF HER CLOSE TO YOUR HEART.
Bev Strandell
January 26, 2017
Jewel was a treasure to all who knew her and her giving, kindness, and empathy was for all to behold. She loved everyone, especially her family, her Ted, and God. My prayers and sympathy are with the entire family, may memories hold her forever in your hearts. Bev Strandell
Charlene Schottey
January 26, 2017
My sympathy to all of you. I worked with Jewel for many years at Columbus Hospital. She was always such a delight. I know how much you all will miss her.
Dave & Theresa McCune
January 26, 2017
Bob, Lori and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like she was a gem...pun intended. Take care and God bless.
tom boland
January 26, 2017
Jewel was aptly named wasn't she?
She was a marvelous OB nurse too.
A wise and calming influence on those in her care.
Thank you Jewel.
Tom Boland
January 25, 2017
To the family of Jewel,
So sorry for your loss. When someone you love becomes a memory the memory become a treasure so treasure the memory
Matt 5:4,5
BC~
Jim and Cheri Pattee
January 25, 2017
We are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all and wishing you the best possible as you go through this hard time.
Suzanne Dobb
January 25, 2017
Dear Lori, Teddy, Kara, Scott, Michael, Katy, Mick, Connie, and families,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mom, sister, and nana. Jewel was like a sister to my mom (in fact, Jewel called her "Sis"), and she was loved so much by all of us. My mom was so proud when Jewel became a nurse.
It was always a special time when Jewel and Teddy came for a visit. If they came for St. Patrick's Day in Butte, it was even better.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you much love as well.
COLLEEN BUDESKI
January 25, 2017
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS. YOUR MOM WAS A VERY SPECIAL LADY. COLLEEN AND JOE BUDESKI LELIEVRE AND FAMILY
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Jewel McElhenney's name
Memorial Events
for Jewel McElhenney
How to support Jewel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jewel McElhenney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
