Jeanne Couture Kostelic, beloved mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025 at the age of 93. Born on August 17, 1932, in St Ignatius, Montana, Jeanne was the daughter of Jesse and Evelyn Couture. She grew up on a large 1904 established multifamily ranch in Western Montana, part of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Jeanne was a Tribal Member with her heritage being French Canadian, Pend d’Orelles and Chippewa Cree Tribes. Jeanne graduated from Arlee High School, University of Montana (BA) and Dominican College (MA), and graduate studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory, Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, the Boris Goldofsky Opera School and the University of Washington. Jeanne’s passion in life was music. Growing up she only knew country and church music. But her coloratura soprano voice was destined to take her to faraway places with exciting roles in operas, musicals and numerous other vocal venues. Her first performance was a talent show when she was 5 years old. Jeanne sang all through school, and at the University Montana she was introduced to opera and fell in love with it. Jeanne won the Metropolitan Opera regional auditions in 1963. Her vocal career included experience both as an artist and a teacher. She performed in numerous operatic roles and in operettas, musicals and oratorios, appeared as soloist with the San Francisco Symphony under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, as well as the Denver, Fort Collins, Missoula and Billings Symphony Orchestras and the Cincinnati Festival Chorus and Orchestra. She was a church soloist and choral director for many years and appeared on radio and television. She taught vocal music at private high schools and colleges in Colorado and California as well as in her private studio. Jeanne met the love of her life at the University of Montana, Albert Kostelic. Jeanne and Al were married in 1952. In 1985 Jeanne and Al moved to Salida, where they built their new home on the Kostelic Ranch, which has been in the family for 117 years. Jeanne cofounded The Noteables in Salida, a women’s vocal group, in about 1986, and Jeanne and Al established Concerts Plus in 1991. Concerts Plus brought classical concerts to Salida during the winter months – it was funded entirely by Concerts in the Home, a program in which supporters of Concerts Plus enjoyed dinner and a concert in local homes. Jeanne’s pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Mark (Suzanne) Kostelic, Black Forest, Colorado, Karl (Natalie) Kostelic, Brighton, Colorado, and grandchildren, Kole, Kadin, Evan, and Kaedon. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother (Jim). Memorial Mass is set for 11:00 AM on Saturday November 22, 2025 at St Joseph Catholic Church. A private family interment will take place later. On line condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.