Jeanette Parent

Jeanette was born in Minneapolis, MN to farmers Ernest Robert Hewitt and Cora Mae Wellcome-Case, she was Jeanette was born in Minneapolis, MN to farmers Ernest Robert Hewitt and Cora Mae Wellcome-Case, she was the fourth of nine children. In 1915 the Hewitt family moved to Ortonville and later Clinton, MN. In 1928 the Hewitt's relocated to a homestead near Jordan, MT.Jeanette graduated from high school in 1930 and married Martin Parent of Malta, MT. After the death of their infant son Gary-Donald, the couple divorced. Jeanette then attended nursing school in Galen, MT, trained by the Sisters of Providence and earned her nursing degree. She went on to work at the Deaconess and Columbus hospitals in Great Falls, before moving up to Whitefish to work for Dr. Lockridge. Jeanette worked for Dr. Lockridge and was known as his third arm and most valuable assistant for over 20 years, retiring from nursing in 1962.In 1934, Jeanette met and married William Mick McGee in Whitefish and in 1941 they had a son, William-Michael Mike McGee. In 1952, Jeanette lost her husband Mick, to cancer. In early 1962, Martin Parent again found Jeanette and began to court her arriving at work every day with flowers, a picnic basket, and a question Will you marry me , after several months, Jeanette said yes. On March 13, 1962, Jeanette again married the love of her life, Martin. The couple moved around Montana for Martin's construction and rodeo jobs, until settling in Opportunity, Montana to ranch alongside Jeanette's brother Donald. The two-some stayed madly in love until Martin's death in April 2001. In 2004 Jeanette moved into Benefis Extended Care Center in Great Falls, residing there for the rest of her days, sharing her love of life, faith and stories with the staff and other residents. Jeanette passed away exactly one month from her 101 birthday, in the arms of her granddaughter Dawn.Jeanette was known throughout her life as the sweetest and kindest lady a person could ever be privileged to meet. Her cooking, canning and pies were a treasure to be shared with all who knew her. Nobody made Jeanette's acquaintance without being counted as a friend. Jeanette's caring hands, strong faith, tiny stature, enormous heart, and comforting stories will long be remembered by all those who knew her.Jeanette is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Frieda Hewitt of Mackay, ID; one son, Michael McGee of Great Falls, MT; five grandchildren, David McGee of Anaconda, MT, Dawn (Helge) McGee and Robyn Krause of Great Falls, MT, Wendy Mathews and Shannon Wedger both of Minnesota; 13 great-grandchildren, Jessica (Jason) Luniewski, Daniel (Danielle) Kohler, Falon Boyd, Caleb Wedger, Marshall Wedger and Russell Wedger, all of Minnesota, and Amanda McGee, Michelle McGee, Michaela McGee, Marissa McGee, Maverick McGee, Leah Naber, and Ali Naber of Montana; one treasured great-great-grandchild born in May, Gaborik Kohler.Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, two husbands; William Mick McGee and Martin Parent, and one son, Gary-Donald Parent