Joan Maureen Oleson was born in Helena on March 29, 1939 to Frances M. and Clayton E. Fraser, the third of their three children. She grew up in Helena, and graduated from Helena High in 1957. She then married her high school sweetheart Robert Oleson of Helena in June of 1957, where they remained in Helena until 1965 where they then relocated to Oregon. While raising her 3 daughters in the early years, Joan was a busy stay at home mom. After her daughters were old enough to attend school, she herself went back to school in 1969 where she received an Art History Major from Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Oregon.
Upon her divorce from Robert Oleson, she returned to Montana, where Joan spent several years volunteering for Great Falls organizations such as; the Charlie Russel Museum, Montana Historical Society, and Columbus Hospital.
Over the past 9 years Joan has been a friend and resident of Sharon’s Sunshine Care (Assisted Living) in East Helena. She was loved by all, and adopted by many including the furry family members. Joan’s joyous spirit, sense of humor and compassion will greatly be missed by all staff and residents. A special thank you to Sharon’s Sunshine Care for the love, compassionate care you have provided to Joan over the years.
Joan had many talents, but her artistically talent was her passion. She enjoyed designing and creating both her children’s clothes, as well as clothes for many family members as well as dolls, doll clothes, and doll furniture. Joan had a creative eye, and also enjoyed capturing water colors of the beautiful landscapes of the Oregon Coastline, as well as the beautiful Mountains of Montana. Her greatest pieces were portraits of her beautiful daughters. Joan could not only paint a picture on canvas, she was also a master story teller. She had a true gift of entertaining and leaving all who listened in stitches and wanting more.
Joan was a proud mother of 3 daughters; Tammy Henry of Vernonia, Oregon, Rhonda Schranz of Helena, MT, Robin (Jody) McDaid of Helena, MT, as well as 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Joan is survived by her ex-husband Robert Oleson of Townsend, her 3 daughters, along with her 9 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. She will join family members in Heaven; parents Frances and Clayton E. Fraser, brothers Clayton R. and Francis Fraser, grandson Jake Middlemas, and son in law Gerald Henry.
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Love- Conrad, Cami & Tynlee says
Love- Conrad, Cami & Tynlee purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Joan M. Oleson.
Marcia J. Strobridge says
I am Marcia Bailey Strobridge, cousin to Joan Oleson. My mother Evelyn Bailey Rushford was a sister to Frances Jones Fraser. I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She and I use to play together as very young girls when she lived on 11th Ave. We loved playing with our Toni dolls. She grew up and got married and my parents divorced and we moved to White Sulphur Springs with my father. How quickly we lose contact with family members.
My husband and I came upon the beautiful stone placed for Joan last weekend when at the cemetery in Helena. We live in Spokane, WA. I have always placed a flower on Frances’s grave (my Auntie Sis) when visiting my Mom’s grave among other family members in Resurrection Cemetery. Mom is buried just down the road from Joan and her mom. I was brought to tears when I saw Joan’s marker. Found Joan’s obituary on-line. Sad that I didn’t keep in contact with her. She was very talented just like her mother.
May God bring you all comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Jim and Marcia Strobridge