Janice Lynn Nugent

Just one week after Jan celebrated her 65th birthday, and after a long and courageous battle with her health, while surrounded by close family and her children, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Janice Lynn Nugent, on May 3rd, 2025, at her home in Butte. Jan was born on April 26, 1960, to Elsie and Robert “Nuge” Nugent in Butte, Montana, into a very large family. She attended Butte schools and graduated from Butte High in 1978. After graduating she started a career in banking, then worked for the Montana power company. After her time there, and guided by her caring spirit, she found her true calling in the home healthcare industry. She absolutely loved taking care of her little brother Scotty and our Baba, Cokey Vukovich. In 1982, Our mother started dating Joe Vukovich. After chasing him for many years, he finally gave in. They had so many great times together traveling. From the NHRA drag races, NASCAR, basketball games, Steeler games, Atlantic City, Vegas, Washington DC, just to name a few, our mom and dad never ran short of adventures. All of which she always Treasured. Mom loved dad’s motorcycle and the two of them spent countless hours riding together. She also loved camping at the lake with her family—a special tradition from her youth that remained close to her heart throughout her life. Some of her happiest memories were made under the stars, around a campfire, surrounded by the people she loved. It was so wonderful to her that she made sure to pass it on, introducing her own children to the joy of camping, creating a legacy of togetherness, laughter, and the simple peace of nature that we’ll always carry with us. In 1992, they had their first child together Joey Jr., and four years later, Jaelyn was born. Our parents shared a bond that lasted many years, and even after they separated, their love and respect for each other never faded. As children, we hardly realized they were no longer together, because they remained lifelong friends and our dad still took amazing care of us. Mom spent many weeknights and weekends on the road with Joey for hockey, karate, and baseball, always cheering from the stands with endless pride. Her love for travel and passion for the game were only matched by the joy she found in supporting her son. My mom and Jaelyn shared an unbreakable bond and we’re side by side through everything, two hearts always in step. Some of mom’s most cherished moments with Jaelyn was getting her ready for her dance recitals, always meeting her with flowers, each one specially picked for her, a simple gesture that spoke volumes about how much she loved “her baby girl.” Jaelyn also loved spending time at the baseball field with her momma. Mom’s most treasured time of her life was when her daughter Jaelyn had her grand baby, Jersey, who was a constant source of light during the hardest days, a little spark of joy who brought comfort, laughter, and was always her lucky charm. Two short years later she became a Nana once more to her sweet baby boy Ryson, and with both a granddaughter and grandson, her heart felt complete as she had a perfect pair to love and cherish. She was so excited to learn that her baby boy found the love of his life, Jade. She always said it would take a very special girl for her to let go of her son and meeting Jade gave her peace in knowing that he would always be taken care of. Our Mom shared a special, unbreakable bond with her own mother, Elsie. She spent so much of her time by her side, not only as a loving daughter but also as a devoted caregiver to her brother, Scotty, for his entire life. Mom gave so much of herself—quietly and selflessly—never asking for recognition. She was always there for Nana, too, making sure she felt loved, supported, and safe. Every night, Nana would call just to check on her, a ritual that showed how deeply they loved each other and when the time came for Nana to need more than a phone call—for someone to step in and truly care for her—Mom didn’t hesitate. She stepped in with open arms and a full heart, just as she always did. Their relationship was unmatched. She is preceded in death by her mother just a little over a month earlier, her father, her brothers: Tommy, Dale, Timmy, Scotty, her brother in laws John and Alex Vukovich and very sadly just a few weeks ago, she lost her lil guy - her sweet nephew Braxton - who held a special place in her heart. She is survived by the love of her life Joe Vukovich, her son Joey Jr (Jade), her daughter Jaelyn Vukovich (Kyle) and their children Jersey Jo and Ryson, her brother Danny, her uncle Teddy, her lifelong friends and cherished phone companions Joni Jackelini, Lisa Stang and Angie Romero. She is also survived by her dear niece Amy, as well as Cheryl and Carrie and far too many cousins, nieces and nephews to mention. We Want to thank Dr. Conn (Pintler Family Medicine) Leah, Sheila, and the rest of the hospice care (Pintler Home Options) for helping us through this difficult time. Momma, your wings were ready, our hearts were not. We will always love you. Visitation will begin Monday morning at 10 o’clock in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 o’clock and interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Jan ma be made to Pintler Pets in Anaconda, MT.

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Janice Lynn Nugent

April 26, 1960 - May 3, 2025