Janet Mullaney
April 07, 1946 - April 30, 2025
Obituary
Janet (Wilcox) Mullaney went to her heavenly home on the evening of April 30, 2025 while under care at Saint John's Jensen Cottage. She had a deep faith in God, and found comfort in his eternal promises.
Janet was born in Billings on April 7,1946 and grew up on the Nordahl family farm west of Molt, MT. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, Peterson School, through eighth grade. After graduating from Rapelje High School in 1964; she began her college years at Eastern Montana College. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Les Wilcox, she transferred to and graduated from Montana State University with a degree in business education. During that time, they welcomed their first daughter, Joan, into their new lives together. Janet started her teaching career in Clyde Park, while Les taught in Wilsall. In 1972, they moved to Billings, MT where they could be closer to family. In 1974, they welcomed their second daughter, Julie, to their family. Janet and Les created a loving home, making faith and family top priorities as they raised their girls.
Janet worked in secretarial positions in the Billings School District while her girls were young, but returned to the classroom in 1985. She loved teaching business skills to adult students at the College of Technology during her long tenure there. Janet's passion for teaching, and her diligence inside and outside of the classroom greatly impacted her student's lives and resulted in many long lasting friendships. In 1987, Les was tragically killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Janet found solace from her church family, colleagues and students during that difficult time. Chronic health and pain issues forced Janet to step down from teaching in 2016.
Janet met Pat Mullaney in 1991, and his kindness, love and cheerful attitude gave her a new start. After a Valentine's Day proposal, they married on June 19,1993 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. They enjoyed simple pleasures of time with friends and family, being grandparents, preserving and enjoying Janet's family farm, and attending church events. In their later years of marriage, Pat lovingly lived out his marriage vows as Janet's caregiver. His diligent and selfless care enabled her to remain at home until less than two weeks before her passing.
Janet is survived by her husband, Pat Mullaney, daughters, Joan Schafer (Tom), and Julie Dannenberg (Josh), grandchildren Leslie Krueger (Eric), John Schafer,
Brady Dannenberg and Caden Dannenberg, and her great-grandson, Mack Krueger, as well as her sister Linda Erfle (John). She was preceded in death by her first husband Les Wilcox, and her parents Clif and Thelma Nordahl.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Janet's life on Saturday, May 10, 2025
at 10 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Billings, with a reception to follow.
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Memories
PL
Pat Lowthian
Other • 9 days ago
Janet, Julie, I had a support group for many years where our friendship blossomed. Janet was a remarkable lady with a quick mind, loving heart, and deep faith. I loved spending time with them on the family farm, meeting at our favorite haunts for birthdays etc. and just enjoying our friendship over the years. My heart is sad, but my spirit is uplifted knowing that she is finally pain free and living a life of peace, joy, and love surrounded by those who passed before her.
ME
Michelle Eder
Other • 9 days ago
What a beautiful tribute to your mom ♥️ Janet was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of knowing. 2 memories from my mom (Janet's cousin):
* Hiding in the ditch together after a Peterson Schoolhouse day, because they wanted to walk home and not get a ride from Grandma. Their moms were not impressed!
* Apparently young Janet did not like to help wash dishes and would hide out in the bathroom until they were done. After one dinner Janet headed to her hideout, so Mom and Thelma proceeded to bang the dishes together... Janet was surprised when she came out and none of the dishes were done!
DJ
Diana Jones
Other • 9 days ago
Janet was always such a kind person to me. She loved the Lord, and loved her family so very much, that was apparent. Pat and Janet were so sweet to each other, there was much love there. Prayers and blessings to you all, she will be missed by so many people.
BD
Barbara Dilworth
Other • 8 days ago
Janet and I (Barbara, her cousin) had so much fun growing up. We made clubs in the barn, walking to Peterson School, later being able to drive thru Nordahl's pasture, hiding from our Moms, to smoking in the outside privy at school. Yes we got caught, Mrs. Whaley and folks were not happy. Had such good visits, Janet helping me with my husbands death and just remembering times at RHS. Janet, Rita and I were so blessed to be friends for all those years. I will forever cherish our friendship, Janet rest in peace. Love You. Your Cuz forever.