JoAnne (JoAnnie, Nannie) Maria Woods
JoAnne was born February 22, 1949, at St. John’s Hospital in Helena, MT. She was so anxious to arrive that she was born before making it to the delivery room. She was the third child of Joe and Jo (Merzlock) Woods. Her Baptism into the Catholic church was held on March 6, 1949, at St. Helena Cathedral and she continued reception of the Sacraments throughout her life at the Cathedral.
She attended St. Helena Grade School and was in the second graduating class (1967) of the new Helena Catholic Central High (currently Capital High). JoAnne continued studies at Carroll College, Helena and Rocky Montana College, Billings. While at Carroll she was a member of SPURS, an academic achievement club.
JoAnne was always quiet, kind, helpful, studious and adventurous. She was a Godmother to several children and embraced those sacred responsibilities and she loved being an aunt to all her nieces and nephews.
She felt blessed to travel to several Marian apparition sites throughout the world with cherished friends. Other adventures included living in Mexico and Washington state.
Boulder River School and Hospital in Boulder, MT is where she found and developed her vocation – caring for others especially those in most need. Later she worked at the old Cooney Nursing Home. JoAnne then moved to Butte, America for a few years and worked at St. James Hospital. She enjoyed her caregiving immensely and wished to do more so she returned to Helena and earned her LPN degree in 1981 and began working at St. Peter’s Hospital. A natural caregiver, she carried Christ’s compassion to others. In moments of difficulty, she was a steady presence through quiet strength, comfort and unwavering care. Her heart was attuned to God’s grace and the dignity of every person. Eventually she moved on to medical billing for Blue Cross-Blue Shield and retired from Montana State Fund.
Later in life JoAnne cared for our parents in their home for many years until Dad’s passing at 93 (2008) and Mom’s at 101 (2014). During these years she worked part-time and retired early in order to provide full-time care. She also helped our brother Joe and cousin Chuck during their battles with cancer.
JoAnne was instrumental in the continuing spiritual development of her siblings as well as many other people, encouraging reading Catholic books, praying the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and attending daily Mass. JoAnne loved Jesus and His Blessed Mother Mary and she clung to them. Her legacy of faith, love and service will continue to live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
The last few years of her life she lived courageously with the ravages of PSP, a neurological disease. It took everything from her except her humor and love. She persevered to the end calmly and with a smile and passed naturally and peacefully on January 10, 2026. As His good and faithful servant, she accomplished everything asked of her with love, patience, kindness and humility. We believe she’s in Heaven and gloriously in the arms of Jesus and we miss her with all our hearts.
Preceding her in death were her parents Joe and Jo (Merzlock) Woods; her Grandparents Joseph and Lucy Merzlock and John and Rose Woods; her infant brother; her brother Joe; her niece Thalia Rose Reeves; her sister-in-law Lynn Woods; and her brother-in-law Bob Williams; as well as all her aunts, uncles and several cousins. JoAnne is survived by her sisters Mary (Dave) Schlick, Gerri (David) Payne and Peggy Jo Williams, and her brother John (Melinda) Woods, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
We are immensely grateful for our Priests, Deacons, clergy and parish staff for their countless blessings, Masses, prayers, cards and support, as well as JoAnne’s beloved family members and dear friends. And we are incredibly thankful, too, for her many wonderful medical providers and caregivers; you know who you are and we will remember you with respect and admiration.
In lieu of flowers JoAnne would ask you to make a donation to the Cathedral of St. Helena and give to the poor.
Funeral services are scheduled for January 20, 2026, at the 12:00 noon Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena. The Rosary will be prayed before Mass at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow immediately downstairs in the Brondel Center. Private family burial will be held later.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 20, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday January 20, 2026
Brondel Center
Located in the lower level of the Cathedral
,
Burial
Private Burial with Family Present
Tuesday January 20, 2026
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 20, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday January 20, 2026
Brondel Center
Located in the lower level of the Cathedral
,
Burial
Private Burial with Family Present
Tuesday January 20, 2026
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana
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Bebe Wirkus says
JoAnne was the person after me at Holy Hour/adoration on Fridays. She always greeted me with a smile and whenever I had the chance to talk with her I did. She was a blessing to my life. Bebe Wirkus
The Ramirez Family says
“Miss JoAnne” is what our kids called her during their growing up years. Kathy and I remain deeply grateful for the personal, steadfast, and profound faith journey example JoAnne set for our family. From the Rosary cenacle days early in our marriage, through her prayers over the years as Rosie’s godmother, through the strength of her faith witness for everyone around her these last few years, JoAnne has been a blessing.
Eternal rest grant unto JoAnne, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Carol Dullum says
I knew JoAnne from State Fund. She always had a smile on her face. Her positivity was contagious. She will be missed. May God be with her family at this difficult time.
Sharon Williams says
I was blessed to have JoAnne in my life. She was instrumental in my return to the Church. I loved her and will miss her tremendously.
Mary Runkel says
Joanne was always a bright light everyday in the world of work. She was thoughtful and thorough and always was helpful. May her family know peace in the memories of this gentle soul.
Tom cannpn says
I am sure I am one of the few who worked beside Joanne at St. Peters. To this day, I remember her compassion, and caring attitude. Great.memories, and condolences to her family.
Elaine Myles says
Gerri and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know JoAnne, but she sounds like a special lady with a heart for those in need of love and compassion. She followed the footsteps of her Savior, Jesus Christ. There is a resemblance of you, Gerri, in her smile and her spirit. My sincere sympathy and prayers.
Thea Reeves says
Aunt Nannie, you were so much more than an aunt to me; you were a confidante, role model, and a source of kindness. I will forever cherish the memories that span my life—from looking up to see you in the stands at every basketball game and sitting beside you at Mass, to our recent quiet moment sharing Parrot caramels. Though these last few years battling PSP stripped away your mobility, they never dimmed that loving twinkle in your eyes. To be able to communicate so deeply through just a look was profound, and I am eternally grateful for that connection. My heart is heavy with your loss, but I am also filled with gratitude for the unique bond we shared. I will carry your resilient spirit in my heart forever. God Bless you Aunt Nannie.