Jeanne Pyfer

1949 - 2026

Jeanne Pyfer

April 14, 1949 - March 8, 2026

After 76 plus years of spreading love, generosity, and devotion to her God, family, and every person who had the good fortune to know her, Jeanne (Pouliot) Pyfer passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 8, 2026, following a two-year battle with cancer.

Jeanne was born April 14, 1949, to George and Mary Pouliot in Bozeman, Montana. She was the 5th born of 11 children. She was followed, minutes later by her twin sister, Joan, who claims to have "kicked her out." The two were inseparable from that day forward.

When Jeanne was 3, the family moved to Helena, where she spent the majority of her life. She attended Catholic grade school and graduated from Helena Catholic Central in 1967. Throughout those younger years, she kept busy caring for younger siblings, working as a car-hop at Gertie's Drive-in, starring in school musicals, and cheerleading for the Central Greenies.

During high school, Jeanne met the love of her life, Bob Pyfer. They dated for three years while attending University of Montana in Missoula and married on September 5, 1970, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Jeanne graduated with her degree in education and began work as a 4th grade teacher at Hellgate Elementary. For a few years, Jeanne enjoyed being the "breadwinner" of the family while Bob continued school - working on his law degree at UM Law School. Once Bob completed law school, the couple moved back to Helena where Bob worked full-time, and they started their own family. They had two daughters, Nicole and Lora, in 1976 and 1978 respectively. Jeanne was a stay-at-home mom and then ran an in-home daycare while the girls were young. In 1986, she went back to education and spent nearly 20 years as a 1st grade teacher at Kessler Elementary. It was here that she made some dear friends who continued to love and support her throughout her life. In 2006 Jeanne retired from teaching to become "granny-nanny" to Nicole's 3 sons. Jeanne and Bob both fully retired in 2011 and shifted their focus to travel, recreation, and most importantly - their grandkids.

Family was everything to mom, and the unconditional love between her and dad was the foundation. They were true partners in parenting and in life. We have so many wonderful childhood memories of times spent traveling, camping, playing games, watching movies, and simply being together. Our mom was always our biggest supporter; she never missed a school event, recital, or sports game. Most importantly, we could always count on mom to be there for us. Our entire lives, she was always our first phone call when we needed to talk, laugh, cry, complain, or problem-solve. She was our best friend!

Mom had a special bond with all six of her grandchildren, and they adored her. She treasured her time with them, whether it be singing, dancing, reading books, shopping, playing cards, or just visiting. She was truly their biggest fan in every way, never missing a game, performance, confirmation, graduation, or event. We feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful mom and grandmother.

It is impossible to explain the impact Jeanne had on the lives of others. She was an incredible mother, sister, grandmother, friend, and teacher. With her infectious personality, she spread joyfulness and love wherever she went. We all carry a piece of her beautiful spirit and energy.

Mom's impact was most strongly felt by Dad. His words: "Her deep devoted love was my most valuable possession. I still feel the gentle tug of that love. And I won't let go. Her love dwells in me as mine does in her."

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents George and Mary; her brother Dan, and her sister Mary. She is survived by Bob, her loving husband of 55 years; her daughters Nicole (Jay) Lindgren of Helena, and Lora LoDuca of Billings; her grandchildren Jaret, Colton, and Tizer Lindgren, and Angelina, Joey, and Gianna LoDuca. Jeanne's surviving siblings include Tom (Shirley) Pouliot of Helena; Jerry (Mary) Pouliot of St. Paul, MN; Joanie Miller of Watertown, WI; Linda Pouliot of Helena; Patti Scott of Mesquite, NV; Pam Buckman of Helena; Elizabeth Pouliot of Helena; and Coni (Chris) Wendling of Cabo San Lucas. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We would like to thank the kind and competent staff at St. Peter's Hospital and Hospice for their exceptional care.

Funeral mass will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Immediately following mass, a reception (with open mic to share stories) will be held in the Brondel Center of the church. Graveside service will follow at St. Ann's Cemetery in East Helena. The family suggests donations in Jeanne's name to Florence Crittenton Family Services, YWCA, or The Friendship Center. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family.

Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

406-442-8520