Patricia Joyce Danielson

Our beloved Wife, Mom, and Gramma, Patricia “Joyce” Lavelle Danielson passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017, at St. James Healthcare surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born on March 22, 1934, in Butte, to George and Holida (Guay) Lavelle. She was the 4th of five children. Joyce attended Greeley Grade School, where she was a speed skater, and she also attended Butte High School. Joyce’s first job was as a car hop at Leon and Eddie’s, one of the first drive-in restaurants, where she met her future husband, Lee Danielson. They married on May 16, 1953, and celebrated 64 years of marriage this year. Joyce and Lee made their home in Butte, where they raised their two daughters, Connie and Mary Anne. Joyce later worked at J. C. Penney, starting in 1968 at the original location on Park Street in Butte. She retired from Penney’s in 1992, after which she thoroughly enjoyed taking care of (spoiling) her four grandchildren, making trips to Jackpot and Wendover, and walking… always walking. She walked eight or nine miles a day, rain or shine. Joyce made the best pasties in Butte, and her family enjoyed them so much that on Thanksgiving Day, they opted for pasties instead of turkey dinner! She also looked forward to helping her brother-in-law, Bake, cook fried chicken and make his homemade kielbasa. Joyce was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church for nearly 60 years and, until her health prevented her from doing so, she faithfully attended weekly mass. Joyce was always willing to offer a helping hand, lend a sympathetic ear, or give soft-spoken guidance. Her kind and compassionate nature, which was evident in her everyday life, will forever be missed but never forgotten. Joyce is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lee; her daughters, Connie (Gregg) Edelen and Mary Anne Flamand; grandchildren, Todd (April) Edelen, Lee Edelen (Shana Fortune), Jessica Flamand and Matthew Flamand; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Kymber Edelen. Joyce is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews; her in-laws JoAnn (Bob) McGrath and Bill (Helen) Danielson; and her dear, lifelong friend, Marge Phelan of Portland, Oregon. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her mother- and father-in-law, Gert and Nephi Danielson; siblings, Dolores “Meanu” (Bake) Panion, Lois (Mickey) Doherty, Billy (Helen) Lavelle, and Pat Lavelle; her niece, Vonnie Kindt; and her in-laws, Gertie (Roy) Barrett. Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end, They simply mean we’ll miss you, Until we meet again. Rest in eternal peace, and enjoy your perpetual cup of tea. We love you!

Tributes

Patricia Joyce Danielson

March 22, 1934 - November 20, 2017