Some years ago, I was teaching at an extension center in Denver when I got a call. A lady said she had some trims and fabric to sell -- was I interested? That was my first contact with Joann Montgomery.
Joann not only had 'some' items to sell -- she had a whole garage crammed full. Her partner's deceased wife was a shopaholic who enjoyed buying all sorts of craft items -- but never sewed or did anything else with them. I must have purchased hundreds of yards of lace, fancy trims and dozens of yards of vintage fabric...something my quilting students especially loved. I wrote dozens of pages of appraisal reports for donation and insurance values, which I swapped for more trims, fabrics and patterns.
But the best bargain of all was the friendship that grew between Joann and myself. Over the years, I stopped regularly at her home to have a cup of coffee (I brought the doughnuts) and tell her about Stuff. A family picnic included an invitation for us, too. Gradually, Joann's health began to deteriorate. Every visit, I felt would probably be the last.
My visits stopped in 2019, as we were elsewhere with commitments.... and gradually our paths diverged from each other. After The Mama's death and our return to Colorado in the spring of 2021, I realized I had not heard from Joann for some time. And of course, there was a reason for it.
She didn't write books. She wasn't a quilter. (when I knew her, at least.) She didn't do anything spectacular that I know of. But she was funny, earthy and fascinating, with an opinion about everything. She loved her family and Al, her partner. And she showed me so much kindness and affection.
I loved her back...and still miss her. This belated obituary celebrates this wonderful woman.
Joann Montgomery was born July 15, 1938 in McCook, Nebraska. She made her transition peacefully on November 12, 2020 .
Those who helped welcome her to heaven include her parents, second husband, one brother, one son, and two daughters along with a host of other family members. Survived by those who will miss her dearly including her longtime companion Al, two siblings and her other children, grand, great grand and great great grandchilden. As well many nieces, nephews, and longtime family friends.
Moved to Denver, CO in 1941 at age of 3, with parents Gerald Shorey and Agnes Shorey and 3 siblings. Moved to Lakewood, CO in 1946 when parents purchased a home on a large lot. She worked part time in HI school at the Chicken Inn on W Colfax as a carhop Attended Lakewood Public Schools where she was active as a cheerleader in 8th grade, was on the drill team as a senior, and sang at school assemblies and was in many school plays. She graduated in June 1956.
Married Gerald "Gary" Bramwell on February 28, 1957. They had 3 children, Kimileen Gae, Liane Rae, and Jeffrey G. After several other posts, when Gary was in the service, they lived in San Francisco - stationed at Presidio Army Base. Returned to Denver for a couple of years, then to Culbertson NE for a year or so until returning to Colorado when he got the job on the Denver Fire Dept. During their marriage they enjoyed camping, square dancing and spending time with extended family. Divorced in 1966
She met and married Everett "Monty" Montgomery. He was a single father with 5 children, Kathy, Jeff, Alan, Michael, and Janet. Joann moved to Aurora, CO with her 3 children and proudly became MOM to 8 children. Monty also had 3 children from a previous marriage who lived in Illinois that became part of the family, Gail, Gary and Sue Ann. They were both very active; Monty as a Scoutmaster with Boy Scouts, Joann as co leader with Camp Fire Girls; as well as just keeping up with raising 8 children! Joann had to learn to cook big meals, would often sing during ironing (Marty Robbins song Big Iron), enjoyed many sewing projects including making quilts with her mom and taught us all many life lessons including working hard, patience, listening, following the rules, being responsible and the importance of helping others.
The family of 10 did a lot of camping with Grandma and Grandad Shorey, mostly in the mountains of Colorado. They traveled to Wisconsin almost every summer to visit Monty's kin on the farm, that they all enjoyed. She referred to her family fondly as “The Montgomery Mob” and would often sign cards this way.
The children had daily chores, collected newspapers to recycle, worked at the body shop for extra money and assisted at home. They learned to work together and play together for the good of all. Joann worked for Arapahoe County in licensing department in Aurora from Jan 1985-May 1997. Monty passed away on May 12, 1999
Joann started square dancing lessons and became acquainted with a neighbor, Al Wright, who was dancing also. They started dancing and traveling together, and became life partners. They traveled to Georgia, Tennessee and Maine to visit both sets of relatives as well as many sightseeing adventures. They also discovered that they had a common interest in coin collecting. They have been together for 17 years and have been a blessing for each other. The family is appreciative of Al being there with Joann during her final illness; giving her loving care, sense of humor and understanding.
Even though we will miss her so much we are so grateful for the times, memories and love that we were blessed to share with her and will look forward to the reunion still to come . . . .
. Rest in peace, dear friend. Next time -- I'll make the coffee.
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