On August 27, 2023 our extraordinary Yaya passed away.
Jannis D. Conselyea was born May 18th, 1944, in Provo, Utah to Afton and Phillip Hansen. She grew up in Salt Lake City and spent her teenage years cruising The Avenues in her pink T-Bird with her best friends, graduating from East High in 1962. After graduation she married her high school sweetheart Thomas Francis Durkin III and had two sons: Rory and Jamie. Shortly thereafter they relocated to Los Angeles, California. Jannis pursued an acting career and appeared in Newmans Law, the 1st episode of Kojak, The Odd Couple, The Courtship of Eddies Father and numerous others. She had many interesting stories of her Hollywood days. In 1981 she remarried and had a daughter Christine. Jannis enrolled in Loyola Marymount University graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Communication Arts in 1994. Jannis valued education and earning that degree was something she always took great pride in.
Seeking change and wanting to leave Los Angeles, Jannis, her mother Afton and daughter moved to Helena, Montana in 1995. Starting out as manager for Capital Hill Mall, she ultimately accepted a position as a Bureau Chief for Public Health and Human Services, retiring in 2014. Yaya enjoyed her beautiful home in the mountains of Helena; She spent her days watching wildlife, gardening, and spending time with friends.
In 2020 she moved to Glasgow to be closer to family and was currently building her dream home. Later in life her greatest accomplishments were writing and publishing books and producing her son’s album. At the age of 77, a surprise DNA test result would find that she had a sister, Christy. They reunited and shared a close bond even though it was only for a short time. Jannis loved her family, friends, nature, music, animals, chocolate, and wine. Jannis will leave a huge void in our hearts and will be greatly missed.
Jannis is proceeded in death by her parents, her brother Craig and her son Jamie Michael Durkin. She is survived by son Rory (Michele and Zachary) Durkin, Christine ( Patrick, Amelia, Ella, Isla) Gilchrist and her sister Christy (Jim) Taylor.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 31, 2023
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 31, 2023
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12:30
Thursday August 31, 2023
St. Raphael's Parish Center
412 3rd Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 31, 2023
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 31, 2023
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12:30
Thursday August 31, 2023
St. Raphael's Parish Center
412 3rd Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Maggie Bullock says
I won’t ever forget Jannis’ spirit and smile. And at age 79 she had the dreams of someone half her age as she decided to build a new home and bring a wonderful puppy (Goldie) into her family. I know her relationship with her daughter, Chrissy and her granddaughters were such a huge part of her life.
She and I talked about death and both believed that death is another part of life and that when our bodies gave out, we would return home, with our souls continuing to live and learn.
Jannis faced all of the challenges in her life and now is at peace. We are the ones who are sad to not have her physical presence with us anymore, but she is still lovingly with us and will continue to be.
Donna Dascher says
Exactly what Maggie said! Death is bitter sweet. It leaves a bitter sting in our hearts when a loved one passes. It is so so sweet that she now lives forever with God is His Glorious kingdom.
God blesses hurting hearts and minds. Lean on Him.
Christy Taylor says
My Sister Jannis, was a beautiful person inside and out. My search for her took me to an entire life time, but once finding her we truly were connected. Meeting her was one of the most wonderful things in my life. My new Family excepted me with open arms. Truly a blessing. Jannis and I called one another once to twice weekly. We shared everything. Talking for hours sometimes. Sharing life’s stories. A peace of my heart is gone, but the memories will live inside my heat until we meet again in heaven.
Shannon Bernhart says
I loved the stories Jannis told and was shocked to know she was an actress in the 60’s! I had a couple night outs with her and Christine and so glad I did.
Carolyn Bachtold says
Thoughts and prayers for her family and friends! Cherish the memories!
Tim Plaska says
Jannis and I worked together in Helena as Bureau Chiefs for the State of Montana in the Developmental Disabilities Program. She was a strong advocate for persons in our services and a good person, sorry to hear of her passing.
Terri Anne Stotts says
Jannis you are such a strong, brave woman. I will forever be in awe of you. I will never forget all the kindness, wisdom and love that you showed me. I’ve learned so much from you. I thank you for being such a light in my life. In all our lives. I hope that you look down and are so proud of the tremendous impact you made on this world. I will cherish all the time and laughs I’ve been blessed to have shared with you. Please don’t worry, friend, I’ll look after our deer. I love you, forever.
Laurie Enebo says
I didn’t know Jannis, but from conversations with Christine, I know she was loved dearly by her daughter and granddaughters. My heart goes out to friends and family. May wonderful memories bring peace at this time and in the days ahead.
Connie Wethern says
It was my privilege and honor to have worked with Jannis for many years while she and I worked for the state DDP/DPHHS. It was a very nice surprise when she moved to Glasgow and we reconnected. She was a very caring person and had many great ideas that would benefit others. She leaves us with some great memories.
Veronica Cavell says
Jannis was my friend and a woman I respected for her courage, determination, discipline, fearlessness, passion, honesty, ability to forgive and her ever present focus on moving forward. She loved her family and knew they loved her. She especially enjoyed spending time with her Granddaughters and was deeply thankful for Chrissy’s endless love, support and caring. The dogs and cats who were her companions and the animals living the wilds around her home were an ongoing delight to Jannis. Making sure deer did not go hungry in the winter was especially important to her. Jannis lived her life with awareness and purpose. I miss her very much and will continue to miss her. Thank you, Jannis, for being my friend. I am so grateful for your being in my life.