One Nation, Under God
Joyce Marie Wright born on October 29, 1941, in Malta, Montana, to Bert and Grace LaBrie, passed away at the age of 82 with family by her side at Northern Montana Care Center in Havre, Montana.
Joyce spent her early years on a farm in Wagner, Montana, and attended Wagner Country School before graduating from Malta High School in 1959, which she proudly displayed on her license plate. She enjoyed playing various sports while in school and riding horses during her time spent on the farm. She began working at Malta Auto Company while still in high school and continued there until her retirement.
After retiring from Malta Auto, Joyce worked at the Office of Health & Human Services for a couple of years. Joyce married Bob Wright on July 13, 1961. To this union, two children were born, Terry and Mark. The couple later divorced.
Joyce was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She was a member of the St. Mary's Altar Society, now known as the Parish Council of Catholic Women, serving as Treasurer. She also was a member of Walleyes Unlimited, holding various offices. Joyce also enjoyed being a part of the "59'ers" group that met for lunch.
She was active in many local organizations including the VFW Auxiliary, Dirt Daubers Club, and Red Hat Society. Being a member of the listed organizations meant anytime you saw Joyce walking down the street, she had a book of raffle tickets in her hand. She could also be found making her famous Almond Roca, willing to donate a batch no matter what the cause.
When Joyce wasn't volunteering her time, she enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, playing cribbage and horseshoes, and riding motorcycles (in her earlier years). She was a huge fan of the Malta Mustangs and M-ettes. When she couldn't attend games in person, she would listen on KMMR Radio.
Joyce is survived by her two children: Terry and Mark; grandchildren: Anthony and Shawn; siblings: Delmar LaBrie (brother), Marg Wilson (sister); four great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Bud LaBrie, and her parents. Many of her treasured friends passed before her too.
A time for viewing, reciting the rosary and sharing memories with the family will be held on Wednesday, October 30th, at 6:00 PM at the Wilderness Funeral Home in Malta. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 31st, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, followed by internment at the Malta Cemetery and a luncheon at the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) or Walleyes Unlimited.
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