Nadine Teresa (Snyder) Jakanoski
Nadine Teresa (Snyder) Jakanoski, of Glasgow, Montana, passed away peacefully at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital on March 10, 2026 at the age of 93. She and her twin sister, Ardine, were born July 18, 1932 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital to Arden and Mary Teresa (Barnhardt) Snyder. Their mother died suddenly two weeks postpartum, leaving the twins to be raised by their grandmother, Lunette Snyder, while their father worked for the Anaconda Copper Mine, as an accountant in South America. He would send money home to his mother to provide for the twins’ care.
Nadine attended elementary through high school in Glasgow. She graduated from GHS in 1950. While in middle school and high school, Nadine was proud to work as a “Candy Striper” at FMDH. She felt it was important to contribute her time there, as her great uncle was the local physician, Dr. Hoyt, who started FMDH. She was active in high school playing the clarinet in the band and singing in the swing choir. The twins would also sing for local weddings and funerals, they complemented each other, as one was a Soprano and the other an Alto. Nadine took tap dancing lessons and even won prizes in contests. Her affinity for singing and dancing continued throughout her long life.
It was at a dance in Glasgow where Nadine would meet Frank John Jakanoski. They began dating and soon after high school, were married on September 25, 1950, at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. She then started her life in the country, on the south bench, as a farmer’s wife. Life on the farm was drastically different than her upbringing in town. Some of the biggest changes she talked about were NO indoor plumbing, living with her in-laws, no close neighbors and rarely going to the grocery store. They raised wheat, cows and chickens. Nadine always had a flower garden and a large vegetable garden. She quickly had to learn the skill of canning to provide vegetables for the family throughout the year. Maintaining the gardens was challenging, as she would need to haul water from afar to irrigate them. This was necessary as their immediate water source on the farm was an Artesian well, which was not suitable for growing. She was quick to learn the country life and Make country friends with The Kittlesons, The Heikens, The Pidwerbeckis and The Newtons families.
John and Nadine had five children. Paula Catherine was born in July of 1951, and eleven months later came Cheryl Lynn. Their first son, Mark Stephen, would arrive three years aster Cheryl in November of 1955. She said she was so busy raising the first three children and farming that they waited nine years until Scott David was born. Lana Marie was the last baby to join the family in October of 1971. Nadine and John moved to the north side of Glasgow in 1970 but continued to farm until John’s passing 2011. Nadine stayed active in the business of the farm with Scott until his passing in 2021. She stated that she enjoyed living at the farm mostly, due to the vibrant sunsets and the smell of fresh air, and she enjoyed moving to town for the social aspect of having close neighbors.
Nadine was always quite busy with her days. She enjoyed hosting holiday dinners and hosting card parties. She participated in Respice Board, volunteered at the Hospital Gift Shop, was a 4-H leader, chaperoned the annual 4-H Washington DC trips, was active in PASS and Relay for Life. Nadine was an avid reader and enjoyed her daily walks with her good friend, Celia Borseth, for many years. Nadine was always ready to follow her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids in their sporting careers all over the state. Baseball and volleyball were her favorite sports to watch. Listening to the Scottie band play the school song would bring a smile to her face every time. The sound of the Saskatoon Bagpipers Homecoming was “like magic”, she would say.
Nadine was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Glasgow, was a proud supporter of women’s rights, the Democratic Party, and would stay abreast of the news each evening. The 60 Minutes news program was never missed. She valued higher education and scientific research. She was extremely proud that she and John were able to save up enough to send all of her children to college of their preference. She, herself, wanted to be a nurse, but started her family early and did not make it to nursing school. Having two daughter and a granddaughter as nurses made her quite proud.
Nadine lived independently until the age of 90, still doing her yard work, making her own greeting cards- handpicking who would receive one for each holiday. She was an excellent pen pal, writing letters to newly found distant cousins across the country. The move was made to Prairie Ridge two years ago. She cherished her friends there, especially Rose Kolstad and Judi Martin. The dances with live music at Prairie Ridge were the highlight of each month for her. She would often brag about how her great-grandson, Vaugh, attended the dances to be her date. Her other favorite activities were Cornhole with Mr. Elfring and balloon volleyball.
She is preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Ardine Snyder Grayson; husband, John Jakanoski; daughters, Cheryl Jakanoski Ericson and Lana Jakanoski Koch; sons, Mark Jakanoski and Scott Jakanoski.
Nadine is survived by her daughter, Paula Jakanoski Hicks (Andy); granddaughters: Leah Hicks Miller (Nate), Bridget Hicks Sholley (Justin), Jana Sather, Brynn Feldman Carver (Jake), and Savannah Feldman; great-children: Vaughn Miller, Tatumn Sholley, Tessa Miller, Bo Sholley, Tucker Sholley and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Bell Mortuary with Pastor Lonnie Eidson officiating with a reception to follow. Burial will take place in Highland Cemetery following the reception. Online condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymt.com.
