On the evening of July 20, 2023, Gemma passed away peacefully of natural causes, surrounded and comforted by family members at the Trinity Hospital facility in Wolf Point, MT. At the time of her passing, Gemma was 83 years old.
Gemma Crowley was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin on December 8, 1939. She was the middle child, and only daughter, of Imelda Lucille Doyle and Joseph Keeley Crowley. She joined an older brother Tom, and they were later joined by their baby brother, Donald Joe (DJ).
Gemma grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, attending elementary school at St. Paul Catholic School, a block from her house, graduating from the 8th grade in 1954. She attended St, Mary’s Springs Academy in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin her freshman and sophomore years, and attended her junior and senior years at Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, graduating in 1958.
After graduating high school, Gemma attended Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating with a Laboratory and X-Ray Technician degree in December, 1959, she took a job in Milwaukee, WI as a Medical Laboratory Technician. She received a call in the summer of 1961 from her college classmate, Barbara Smith, to see if she could come out to Wolf Point and fill in at Trinity Hospital while Barbara was going on maternity leave. Ready for a change, Gemma took up her friend on the offer, and came to call Montana her home for the past 62 years.
On June 6, 1964, Gemma married Ronnie Smith at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Gemma then took a job with the Indian Health Service as a Medical Laboratory and X-Ray Technician in Poplar, Montana. Gemma and Ronnie had three sons, Craig Roy, Douglas William and Daniel Joseph.
Gemma loved her job at the IHS Clinic in Poplar, where she met many people from across the reservation, and more importantly made many lifelong friends. Her stories were endless of the fun times they had, both at the clinic and afterhours. Unfortunately, she was forced to retire in October, 1981 due to being allergic to something in the laboratory that couldn’t be identified.
After divorcing in 1985, Gemma had several different occupations. Upon the passing of her dad in June, 1988, Gemma moved back to Manitowoc to take care of her mother. Shortly after, her son Douglas moved out to Manitowoc to join her. In the early 90’s, Gemma started working as a Caregiver in Manitowoc for three gentlemen that became a very special part of her life. She enjoyed this calling immensely, until she made the decision in 2003 to return to Montana to be closer to her sons and grandkids.
Gemma had many enjoyments in life, including traveling, dining out, her dominoes and pinochle clubs, visiting with friends and hosting family get togethers. Being very social and outgoing, Gemma had many, many friends and “best friends” throughout her life. This long list of very special ladies is led by Donna Bursek Scherer, of Green Bay, WI, who was Gemma’s lifelong best friend for over 80 years, attending elementary and high school together, being each other’s maid of honor, being a godmother to one another’s oldest sons and doing family things together on the family’s annual trips to Wisconsin. They remained close to the very end of her life.
Gemma’s Catholic faith was very important to her and was the central part of her life. She was very active in the masses, celebrations and activities of the Church from childhood to her final years. Her belief in God was unwavering, and she passed that on to her children and grandchildren.
Gemma is survived by her son Craig (Leanne) of Wolf Point, MT; six grandchildren Jared Smith, Halie (Michael) Holen, Thea (Zach) Gray, Alex Smith, Bryor Smith, and Jolie Smith; great-grandchildren Adalynn Smith, Grady Holen, Kaylee Holen and Logan Holen; two brothers, Thomas Crowley and Donald Crowley; a sister-in-law Patti Schneider; four special nieces Shannon (Jeff), Colleen, Kiara (Kevin) and Keeley; lifelong best friend Donna Scherer; the three gentleman she was a Caregiver for, Phillip Pauly, Roger Kotarek and Roger Reindel; and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas and Daniel; her parents Joseph and Imelda Crowley; sister-in- law Nancy Crowley; and a nephew Ryan Crowley.
Gemma was the Matriarch of our family, she provided support, security and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed. We will continue to carry her memory and legacy in our hearts.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 27, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 27, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Share
Tim/Iva Zimmerman says
Condolences to the family! n Gemma was such a kind and loving person, She will be missed!
David Arndt says
Sympathy for the family. I will miss Gemma.
Darlyn F Grainger says
Condolences to her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time
Suzanne Snyder says
My deep condolences to Gemma’s family. She was one of a kind… a beautiful and kind soul. She was my mom’s best friend and they had so many wonderful adventures together. I will never forget the childhood train rides to Manitowoc to visit Gemma’s family. Craig and Leanne and your family, may the memories of Gemma bring you comfort and peace. Wishing you love and healing at this time… blessings to you all.
Cam Martin says
So sorry for your loss what a neat lady. Thoughts & prayers go out to you all Cam Martin & family .
Agnes says
Prayers for Gemma,s family she was such a kind hearted person. ❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Rich Peterson says
Rest easy Gemma. It was always great visiting with you.
Pr. Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to all. Gemma was a gem. She walked her talk in a quiet gentle way. May you find healing and comfort in the hope of the resurrection, the loving presence of God and the care and love of family and friends.
Uplifting all in prayer
Trudy Fox says
Prayers for all of you. Gemma was always welcoming with her great smile. It was great sharing with her at different activities at ICC. She will be missed by all.
Gay Pennington says
Deepest Condolences to Gemma’s family..She will be miss so much. She was a very loving lady and no one can ever take her place in my life..I will miss our visits when I come home. But you are in a better place with your love ones, familys and all your deepest friends in the sky. Fly high and rest in peace and theres no more suffering..Love you always Gemma!!🙏🙏🙏💔💔💔💔💔😢😢😢😢
Curtis Cadillac Courchene says
I remember her working in Poplar as an X-ray tech and was always drawn to her pretty eyes 💎 She was always nice-mannered ✝️🙏
Susan D Johnson says
Gemma was an extraordinary woman! She led a life full of Christian service. I admired her greatly. May your sweet memories and your strong faith sustain you now and in the days ahead.
Danna Maldonado says
Craig I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing.I always visited with her at the nursing home when I went to see my mother.We always had a good laugh.She will be missed.Prayers for you and your family.
Charles says
To Craig and Gemma’s family, thoughts and prayers at the loss of your mom. I first met Gemma in 1974 when I started working for IHS. Gemma was the nicest person and fun to work with. Her and Toots Brown, Arleda Featherearring and Mavis Failing were always up to something. We were a family at IHS and I find that more and more of our family have gone on past the veil to a much better place. We will see each other again.
Charlie Headdress
Peters Family (jolie's Smiths) says
Condolences to Gemma’s family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Janssen says
So Sorry for your loss. I was one of those who called her friend, mostly through ICC. we had kept up a bit after leaving Wolf Point God Bless you and yours
Harry Mickey McAnally says
Condolences to the family. RIP Sorry for the loss, Greig.
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Our family has known Gemma since she came to Wolf Point. She was a lovely lady who showed grace throughout all her trials. May the Creator bless all of her friends and family at this time of sorrow.
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to the family of a very sweet lady she will be dearly missed.
Shannon Headdress Gonzalez says
Gemma and her boys were our neighbors in Poplar. I always loved her name. Craig was at our house often and we all thought of him as our little brother. Gemma was a beautiful and classy lady. My sincere condolences to Craig and family and her loved ones.
Barbara (Bushman) Wood, Oklahoma City says
As so many of Gemma’s friends have already stated “I met her when she MOVED to Wolf Point” something I just couldn’t wrap my head around. Why, if given a choice, would anyone move to Wolf Point? And she did it twice. As someone born and raised there all I wanted was the opportunity to move elsewhere. And now I have. But I miss the friendships I made there and Gemma was one of those. She taught me how to dance the twist at Butzie’s, among other things. Last time I saw her she invited me to lunch at the Senior Center and we played pinochle. Aah the years do catch up to us.
Goodbye my friend, Rest in Peace. God Bless her family…and friends.
D hopkins says
Gemma we shall miss you big heart always God has another angel 🙏🏼❤️ I’ll always be thankful knew you always had something cooked for us RIP Gemma many prayers Craig and all the grandchildren 😓
Tim Boysun says
My condolences out to you Craig and Leanne and family so sorry for your loss.
Florence Garcia says
My condolences to Craig and family. Gemma was kind and generous and had strong faith. My Mom thought a lot of her. Prayers and blessings.
Bonnie Olson says
My prayers are with you, Craig and your family. Gemma loved each one of you dearly. I, too, shall miss her so much. I have fond memories of Bible Study at her house every week… we studied, we shared, we laughed, we cried, we prayed together. Serving with her at The Lord’s Table was something I always looked forward to. She was more than a friend…. She was a prayer warrior, a mentor…. She taught people about Jesus by her actions and her words. Her smile and her laughter included everyone. We were all a part of her family and her life. While I miss her, I am happy she is with Jesus, healed and smiling and still praying.
Pam pauly johnson says
Craig, we were so sad to hear of Gemma’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We will forever be indebted to Gemma for the loving care she gave our brother Philip Pauly. He often talks about Gemma and how nice and kind she was. We have you in our thoughts and prayers . Sending love, the Pauly’s ❤️
Pat Rowe and Family says
Craig,Leanne and Family– Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Gemma. She was a lovely lady inside and out. Thoughts and prayers for the families.