Jeanne Ellen Lowney

Jeanne Ellen Lowney, a beloved teacher, cherished sister, aunt and friend, passed away July 20 at New Horizons in Anaconda, with her family at her side. She was born in Butte, Montana, the daughter of James and Lucile Lowney, and lived her entire life in Anaconda.

She lived a remarkable life, having been afflicted by polio since age13, but living 87 years.

In her early life she was a dancer, a figure skater and an athlete. It was a cruel irony that polio attacked her legs. She spent eight months in the hospital, but kept up with her 8th grade class.

She was very active in high school participating in many extracurricular activities with a special interest in music and journalism. She was part of a singing trio with two girls who became lifetime friends. In the summers, she worked at the Montana Power office to earn money for college and finished as the salutatorian of her high school class.

At Carroll College, she distinguished herself in music and academics, was editor of the yearbook and was elected Campus Queen. She graduated from Carroll in 1961 and began teaching at Anaconda High School. Her career there spanned 37 years. In 1971, she obtained a Fellowship to study at Gonzaga University and earned a Master’s degree.

Jeanne was undaunted by her limitations and traveled worldwide to England, Scotland, Italy and Thailand. She was active in the arts community in Anaconda and Butte and frequently sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at athletic events. She loved attending concerts and plays, even traveling to New York City to see her nephew Michael perform on Broadway. She was a bridge player, a voracious reader and loved her book club.

Throughout all this time it was her attitude that carried her. She really never looked at herself as handicapped. She didn’t waste time feeling sorry for herself. The courage with which she approached her entire life was an inspiration for many.

In the years since her retirement in 1998 and even to this day, she has received cards and letters, emails and Facebook posts from former students thanking her for her effect on their lives. They were grateful that she challenged them, taught them to think, and showed them how to write.

Even though her life journey was challenging Jeanne was always thankful for her life. Even in recent years, when her health was failing, she expressed how fortunate she was and what a good life she had. She was always surprised at how lucky she was to have so many friends.

The family would like to thank her many friends who were faithful companions and the caring staff at New Horizons and Pintler Hospice. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Lucile, her brothers Jim and Jack, her niece Renee and her nephew Christopher.

She is survived by her brother Bill and sister-in-law Karen Callan and nephews Patrick (Leah Meloy), Brian (Britt) and Michael (Max Kumangai), sister-in-law Marilyn Lowney and nephew Jimmy Lowney (Misty), sister-in-law Judie Rowe, niece Natalie Lowney and nephew Matthew (Cori). She is also survived by great nieces and nephews Lucile, Michael, Caitlin, Ellie, Maggie, Jacob, Cecilia, Darian, Sam and Toby and several great-great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jeanne’s life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026 with luncheon to follow. The family suggest memorials in Jeanne’s name be made to Pintler Hospice or Copper Village Museum and Art. 

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Jeanne and her family.