Jeanne Augusta Burgoyne

The family of Jeanne Augusta Burgoyne is sad to announce that she passed away in Billings, Montana, on Sept. 20, 2024, after a long journey with congestive heart failure.

Jeanne left behind three children, Michelle Burgoyne Afroso, Jeanine Burgoyne, Andre (Heather Dillon) Burgoyne; and two grandchildren, Okailey Afroso and Finnegan Burgoyne. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Burgoyne; her sister, Florence Hughes; her mother, Agnes (Koch) Wantoch and her father, August Wantoch.

Jeanne was born in Billings to August and Agnes on Sept. 1, 1945. She spoke with great fondness about growing up in Billings. Her family owned a neighborhood grocery store on Billings’ south side, where she worked for many years in her childhood. One of her fondest memories as a child was the many trips she would take with her parents up the Beartooth Pass, where she gained a true love for Montana that she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Jeanne attended Central Catholic High School, where she graduated valedictorian in 1963. She worked at the Deaconess Hospital kitchen throughout high school to pay for her school fees. She attended one year of college at Mount Saint Mary's University in California before she withdrew due to a health concern. Jeanne met Frank in high school and they married on Oct. 9, 1965. They enjoyed an anniversary trip every fall for over 40 years.

Jeanne was a dedicated at-home mother until her children were school age, when she became a realtor with her cousin, Paula Hoyt. She then became a school secretary for the Billings School District, where she worked for 27 years and made lifelong friendships. She loved her work and spent most of her years at Rose Park School.

She loved antiques and had an amazing collection of dishes for every occasion, many of which were in the family for over 100 years. Jeanne had a gift for making people feel accepted and loved for who they are. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed hosting family and friends. She sincerely enjoyed traveling in her beloved red Buick and was known to get speeding tickets from time to time. Jeanne was well-read; she loved Latin and the written word, and enjoyed doing weekly crossword puzzles with her dear friend Gwen.

After she retired, Jeanne traveled to Oregon often to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She spent her last few years living at St. John’s United, where she was well cared for and appreciated for the kind and gentle soul that she was.

Jeanne’s celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at Mission Ridge Chapel, 3840 Rimrock Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. John’s Hospice in her name are appreciated.