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 has 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 3 years while attending University of Montana in Missoula and married on September 5th, 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 noon Wednesday, March 18th, 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. Gravesite 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.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 18, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Wednesday March 18, 2026
Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Wednesday March 18, 2026
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 18, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Wednesday March 18, 2026
Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Wednesday March 18, 2026
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Lee F Rodgers says
Bob,Nicole,Laura
So very sorry to hear about Jeanne . We have very special memories of our softball years together though kids High School and summer ball .
Lee and I are praying that God’s confort and his presence surround and guide you all through this most difficult time .
God’s love and our prayers are also coming your way
Lee and Lyn
Bill Pyfer says
It’s hard to say goodbye to someone that exemplified how you should live, with kindness, patience and love sorely missed these days. Growing up with only brothers, she became the sister we never had and loved her as such. Her devotion to Bob helped him through his own health battles. Fortunately for all she became a teacher to share her special gifts with the people of Helena and the city,state and world are better for it. Love you Sis, I know you’ll find solace in God’s open arms.
Bob Murgel says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Bill.
Addie Porter ( Whitney) says
Nicole, Lora, and Bob,
I have many fond memories of Jeanne from a childhood spent hanging out at the Pyfer house on 9th Avenue. She was so fun! My thoughts are with you as you honor your mom.
Addie
Peter Hamper says
Wonderful person from a wonderful family the Pouliots. My prayers go out to her and her husband, children, family.
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Bob, Nicole, and Laura,
Please accept our deepest condolences 🙏 Jeannie being the first to pass was so unexpected. We all were around through Bob’s battle with cancer and watched how Jeannie so lovingly and patiently took care of him. We even met up with them in Seattle when he was there for treatment. Nicole and Laura, you were her pride and joy, and giving her grandchildren was a fulfillment of her dreams. And Bob, you couldn’t have found someone who could love you more. I’ve known Jeannie since we were 5 years old and a true love story you two shared. My husband Mike and Bob have family ties that go all the way back to Slovenija. God Bless and keep you all as you journey through this time of loss.
Rosemarie Pouliot says
My dear sister Jeanne gave blessings everywhere she walked. She was the sweetest person and this overflowed in her caring heart. Smart funny and full of her faith and family. Jeanne was the angels helper. Always there for so many. She is missed and our hearts will always hold her dear. Love you Bob and am very very sorry for you to be without your beloved Jeanne. Condolences and love rto my family as well.
Tim Easton says
Bob and Family. So sorry for your loss. Rip and God Speed Jeanne.
Sherry Vaughn says
Bob, Nicole and Laura and the rest of the most beautiful family in Helena..my heart hurts for what all of you are going through. Jeannie was the kindest soul I have ever known. i never heard her say a negative word about anything or anyone. I was honored to be her Sister in law for over 10 years and will love her and our memories forever. she is at piece and with so many loved ones! God protect Jeannie’s beautiful soul and give her family the strength to go on without her! RIP Jeannie
Theresa Maleski says
As a Para at Kessler school for 23 yrs. I can say Jeanne left her special mark on all her students and every one of us who worked with her. She was quit the character and we all loved her playfulness. Hugs to all her family and friends.God Rest Her Soul.
Sally Russell says
So very sorry for your loss
Linda Joy Wollitz says
My prayers are with you all. I am so sorry to hear about your loving loss. Jeannie’s smile & greetings will always be in my heart.
Dordal says
Godspeed…..Bless you all….
Laureen Grovom Dordal
Patti Borsberry says
Linda, Elizabeth and Family, I’m sorry to hear about Jeannie’s passing. Know that my prayers have been with you and will remain to lift you in the days and months ahead. I’ve always marveled at your family and your closeness. These days will be no different. It’s a gift few families share. Peace be with you.
Patti Borsberry
Judy Carrigan says
Jeanne Pyfer was our all time favorite teacher our daughter Katie had at Kessler. She was an insightful, patient, loving, and warm angel of a teacher. We appreciated her so much. She will always be in our memories and gratitude. Prayers for her family during this difficult time.
The Carrigan Family
Dan wayland says
George and Mary should be and know how proud they are to raise such a great and wonderful family, Jeannie always wore such a great smile , I know they opened their arms and welcomed Jeannie home, prayers to the family,
joe merrill says
So sorry for your loss.rip jeanne.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Dear Pyfer and Pouliot Families,
The East Helena Hunthausens send our most sincere condolences as beautiful Jeanne is welcomed into heaven. Her legacy lives on as she continues to surround you, and the world, with her love. Prayers are being said for her, and all of you, and God is listening. Blessings. 🙏🏻
Sidney B (P) says
Her next adventure awaits us all. Thanks to 70 years knowing Linda and Jeannie and Joanie, my life is richer. My family is sending light and love to Bob and the girls … and of course to all the Poliots. Bless Jeannie on her way! So glad to’ve known her.
Frank Kromkowski says
Dear Bob:
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Let’s trust that Jeanne is now in God’s loving heart: She goes to light, life and love.
Debbie (Card) Morrison says
Dear Bob, Nicole, Lora and the rest of the Pyfer and Pouliot families:
My sincerest sympathies on the loss of an amazing woman. Jeanne was one of my babysitters when my family lived across the alley from the Pouliots. I was beyond thrilled when she started teaching at Kessler and was my child’s first grade teacher. She was highly respected and very much loved by everyone. I pray that your memories will comfort you during this difficult time. Blessings to all.
LARRY MURPHY says
Lisa and I are so sad to hear of Jeanne’s passing. Our condolences go out to both the Pyfer and Pouliot families.
Katy Seitz Denning says
Bob, Nicole & Lora and your whole family,
My deepest sympathies. I hope that her celebration of life is as beautiful as she was. She was such a lovely woman and I have fond memories of walking around the block to your house as a child.
My prayers are with you as you honor and celebrate all the love and joy she brought and may the memories you share bring some peace in the midst of your loss and grief.
Valerie Raisch says
Dear Linda and all the family,
I was sorry to read about your beautiful
sisterJeanne’s struggle with cancer and passing.
You may not remember me but you did my
haircuts and perms for years in Helena until
we moved to FL. when Bob retired.
May God bless all of you with the promise
in John 3:16. – treasure all your memories till
someday when you are all reunited in Heaven.
Sending my loving sympathy, 🕯️🩷🦋
Valerie Raisch
Patricia Scott says
Bob, Nicole and Lora, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The loss of Jeanne will be felt to the deepest core affecting so many lives. She will never be forgotten and always missed. Love ya all so very much.
Virginia Wille says
Dear Bob, and all of your family. I am so very sorry for your loss of Jeanne, and so grateful that I had the honor of working with her for about 13 years at Kessler. All the descriptions of her written by others are absolutely how I knew her. Always kind, smiling, game for any ideas for projects and programs that we needed to do with her class. She supported me every single time. She was truly a gem.
Tom Dedman says
Bob, Nichole and Laura – Karla and I are so sorry to hear that Jeanne has passed on. We’re sure that she is with friends and family now in heaven. Jeanne always was so kind and absolutely positive. Just thinking about her has brought back many fond memories of our times together. May peace be with you all.
Amy Marshall says
Jeanne touched everyone with her sparkling, loving, funny personality. She always beamed with brightness when seeing her. Her special technique of teaching children, like my son Hunter, in first grade was undeniable. The Pouliot Family, we are thinking of you all and how special your connection is with one another. May you find peace with the many cherished memories you shared with each other. Sending our love and sympathy from the Marshall Family.
Goose and Jan Gregson says
Dear dear Bob and family….. we are so so sorry to hear this news, Jeanne was such a bright light, whenever she wold see you her smile was instant and the sparkle in her eyes was beautiful…. please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers….. wishing you peace from all the wonderful memories you have of her and your family. God bless
Julie and David Smith says
Dear Pouliot Family,
There is a heavy sadness in our hearts as we write this note, but cherished memories, too. From sharing our time as members of the class of 1967 and then as married couples living just blocks away from each other in Missoula. However, our times backpacking the mountains of Montana : The Anaconda Pintlers, the Beartooths and especially the rain/snowbound trip into the Bitterroot Selway with Bob and Jeanne are some of our best. We were as close to heaven as one could get!
Sending our love to Bob, Joanie and Linda
Kathy Royston says
Dear Pyfer and Pouliot Families,
Sorry to hear about Jeanne. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Tim & Kathy Royston
Ronna L Henderson says
May the wonderful memories you have created together help to get you through the difficult days and bring unexpected smiles to guide you . Jeanne will never be forgotten. With Love and heavenly guidance, your Angel will be with you always.
With Love, Ronna and Tom Henderson
Lori Martinsen says
Dear Pyfer and Pouliot families – I saw Jeanne as a beautiful person inside and out; a truly bright soul, very kind. She portrayed positive energy, resilience, and a warm demeanor.
To the families, I hope you find some solace during this difficult time.
Peace and love to you all. 🤍🕊
linda griego says
Bob, Nicole, Lora, Pyfer and Pouliot family, We are so sorry for our loss and the loss of the world through Jeanne’s passing. She was a unifying force of LOVE for all who met her the ripples she provided the humans in her circle. Bob, your 55-year marriage with Jeanne was a shining example of all a marriage can and should be. You may never know the goodness you both gave the world by loving each other so much. Thank you for sharing the streaming time of the funeral, as we were unable to make it in time due to transportation concerns. The funeral mass was the best sendoff I have witnessed. I believe Jeanne will be forever surrounding her loved ones now and, in the future. Nicole, Lora may you always carry your mom with you in all you do and love. WE love you all and are sending our condolences. Pete, Linda Griego and family
Kathy Jensen says
Nicole and Family
We are so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts.
Rick and Kathy Jensen
Jeanne Saarinen says
Bob, my heart hurts for you. Two memories pop to mind. On my first day of work at the Network in 1989, answering the phone and you were traveling and called in. We hadn’t met yet and when you exclaimed “My wife’s name is Jeanne!!!” I liked you already. Fast forward to 2003 and Todd and I were going through marriage prep class at the Cathedral. Each of us were asked to think about a married couple we admired. Guess who popped into my mind – you and Jeanne. Every time I saw the two of you together it was evident you enjoyed each other and you both had that sparkle…better together. How wonderful to witness and such a blessing for you to have a lifetime together. It’s never long enough is it. God Bless You Bob and I’m so very sorry.
Annell Crowley Fillinger says
Bob and family, I and so very sorry to hear of Jeanne’s passing. I have such fond memories of Jeanne and cherish all the childhood memories growing up in the same neighborhood. All the high school trips and proms and special times together are forever etched in my memory. When my husband Mike was going through cancer treatment the same time as Bob, Jeanne was a great support and strength to me and I’ll be forever grateful. She was “one of a kind” and will be greatly missed. I pray the Lord will surround you with His love and comfort through this time of loss.