Jeanne D. Pereles-Ortiz of Billings, Montana, started her journey home on December 30, 2023, after a 17-year hard-fought battle with breast cancer and T-cell lymphoma. Jeanne, known by her family as “Baby or Doreen,” was born January 10, 1967, in Sacramento, CA, to Jose David Pereles and Norma Dolores Lora.
Jeanne grew up in Puerto Rico, where she was loved and spoiled by her parents, sisters, and grandparents. She graduated in 1985 from Colegio La Piedad in Carolina, PR. While in school, Jeanne participated in theater projects, excelling as an artist. She performed as an extra in a couple of Puerto Rican soap operas. After high school, she moved to Mayaguez to attend college. While in college, she met her lifelong friends, Ines Sanchez, Amarilys Arocho, Ivan Melendez, Marie Quinonez, and, who would eventually become her husband, Jose Ortiz. Jeanne and Jose attended medical school in Ponce, Puerto Rico where their romance continued to blossom. Jeanne introduced Jose to Disney World, something they enjoyed until her death. They married on Dec. 27, 1991, in Puerto Rico in front of all their friends and family, sealing a love that surpassed all the trials and tests thrown their way.
They moved to Binghamton, NY, where their first son was born. Jorge arrived on April 5, 1996, to enhance their little family. After New York, Jeanne and Jose got hired by Colstrip Medical Center in Montana as the town’s only two Family Practice doctors. They had never heard of the area, but they embraced that adventure in the same positive manner. She lived in Colstrip for over 15 years and welcomed their two sons, Alejandro and Christian. Jeanne always felt at home in Colstrip and made solid friendships and connections until her life’s end.
Almost ten years ago, she decided to enhance her skills and started working on her endocrinology specialty as an endocrinologist to help create the metabolic surgery program in Billings Clinic. Jeanne loved her job and patients; this was where she stayed until she retired due to health issues. Jeanne was a passionate supporter of cancer research and education, women’s health, and obesity management throughout her career, helping many people going through similar issues. Through her work, unwavering will, and infectious optimism, Jeanne had the ability to connect with everyone, patient or not, and strove to find new ways to better help everyone she met.
Jeanne’s dedication to her sons was continuous, from talking to them daily and encouraging them in every project and idea they worked on. She even took on chosen sons, Adam Myers and Joseph Johnson, whom she loved and cared for like flesh and blood and helped guide them through life. When her sons moved away for college, she traveled to Florida at least twice a year to visit them, even when her health was starting to fail. She taught them to be genuine, loyal, and loving young men and to take care of each other.
Jeanne is preceded in death by her stepdad, Domingo Alvarez, grandparents Rosaura Lora Longoria, Jorge Lora, Thomas Pereles, Antonia Pereles, Uncle Samuel Pereles, Cousin Wanda Pereles, Stepbrother, Domingo Alvarez Jr., Mother-in-Law Sylvia Gandia Ortiz, and Father-in-Law Jose Luis Ortiz.
She is survived by her Husband, Jose Ortiz, and her three sons, Jorge, Alex, and Chris; her mom, Norma Lora Longoria; her Dad, Jose Pereles; Sisters: Jeannette Barreto, Daynelle Alvarez (Coli), Deborah Pereles (Ernesto), Yesenia Pereles (Christian), Lizzie Serrano, Jenny Serrano, Step-brothers: Javier Alvarez (Betsy), Carlos Alvarez, Joel Alvarez (Leyda); Chosen Brother: Ivan Melendez(Juan); Chosen Sisters: Ines Sanchez (Jimmy), Amarilys Arocho (Chelo), Marie Quinones; Nieces: Darleen Barreto, Alexandra Barreto, Victoria Barreto, Anna Mae Parker; Chosen Sons: Adam Myers, Joseph Johnson (Megan); Nephews: Aaron Wolfblack, Melik Barreto, Grand-nephew Mylo Collet, and Chosen Grand-Children: Parker Johnson and Isabella Jeanne Johnson, God-daughter Ivana Sofia Melendez.
The family would like to thank the Billings Clinic Inpatient Cancer Center nurses, Christian Brady, Dr. Michael Kidd, all the Infusion Center nurses, and the entire Billing Clinic team for their continuous love and support during this process. Natasha Sailer, thank you for coming in from Columbus to help and much more.
We will continue the love, lessons, and legacy started by Jeanne.
Thank you to the Colstrip Community for welcoming Jeanne and her family as one of their own and to Beartooth Billings Clinic for always supporting Jose through these difficult times. Bill and Pat Medved and St. Margaret Mary Community, Thanks for the love during this Journey.
“Happiness isn’t about getting what you want all the time. It’s about loving what you have and being grateful for it.”
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Syd’s Wish, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church or charity of choice in Jeanne’s honor.
John & Heidi Sias says
Our deepest sympathies to all of Jeanne’s family and friends, especially Jose, Jorge, Alex & Chris. We pray our Lord give you His comfort and strength in the coming days as you mourn your loss. We were blessed to have spent 7 years in Colstrip with the Ortizes. She is an amazing woman and doctor, and will certainly be missed by many. We thank God for her faith in Christ and look forward to our reunion in heaven with her and so many others someday.
Denise Harvey says
Jeannette and family,
I am so very sorry. A beautiful life taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Denise Harvey- Miles City
Boni and Gary Eernisse says
Dr. Jose and family:
We grieve your loss, but rejoice in her gain.
Jeanne was a brilliant doctor and an amazing human being. Her quick diagnosis and transfer to Billings, I am certain, saved my husband’s life.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
Jose and family, we are so deeply saddened about Jeanne’s passing. May the good Lord give you peace and comfort during this trying time..such a great lady and doctor, a real treasure💔
Vicki and Mark Stevens says
José and family, please accept our condolences. Jeanne was such a special person who loved y’all so much. May God hold you gently in His arms and give you peace and grace as you navigate through this difficult time.
Bob & Diane Henriksen says
Jose and family, we are so saddened about Jeanne’s passing. She was an amazing lady and doctor. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and all of her family as you grieve. May God give you peace and comfort through this difficult time and always.
Robert Custer says
Jeanne will missed by so many. She was an incredible brilliant lady with a heart of gold. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Penny and Butch Morse says
Jose, Jorge, Alex and Chris, Butch and I share in your grief upon Jeanne’s passing into the arms of Jesus. We loved her as a doctor and a friend. God’s blessings and peace to you all.
Elizabeth Ann Hills says
A special lady, Mother and Doctor Jeanne will be missed by all
Ivan & Juan Melendez-Rivera says
Jeanne Doreen (Baby) was a mother, sister, daughter, wife, doctor, and Disney enthusiast. Some lights don’t go out, memories don’t go away, and hopes aren’t lost. Although we will no longer have your physical presence, your teachings and love will keep you alive in our hearts.
Pipe, Jorge, Alex, Chris, Darlene, and Daynelle, All the pain and suffering is over; every fear and uneasiness has passed. Now, she is at peace forever. Quiet at home, in heaven… At last”
With love,
Ivan, Juan & Ivanna Sofia
Ron & Eleanor Swenson says
Was so sad to see that Jeanne had passed! She was an incredible person & doctor! I got to know her as school nurse in Colstrip, as well as Jose & the boys ! She’ll so be missed , prayers for Jose & families 👼🙏🏻🙏🏻
Richard and Amy Hofacker says
Dr. Jose, Jorge, Alex, and Chris, Jeannette, and family,
You are in our prayers as you grieve Jeanne’s passing. She will be missed by all who knew her. May wonderful memories of your life with her comfort you at this difficult time.
pat riedel says
Jose and family
sorry to hear and Jeanne. she was a great doctor. i enjoyed her kindness when she was still here in colstrip.
she will be missed. RIP Jeanne
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Jose, Jorge, Alex, Chris and Jeanette and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Jeannie. She was a wonderful lady and doctor. Shem will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
We are so extremely heartbroken over the loss of an amazing woman. She brightened up a room with that contagious smile. She made you feel like you were her only patient with the way she treated you. I will never forget what she did for my Dad and how she always went over and above to help. She is seriously the strongest woman I have ever met. She fought that horrible battle with so much grace and dignity. The way she loved her family will forever leave an Amazing Legacy. May she RIP and we pray her memory lives on forever in your hearts and souls.
Steve & Sandy Perusich says
Dr Jose and family, We send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jeanne. She was such a driving force of care to everyone she met. May the good Lord fold her in his loving arms and grant you peace in wonderful memories.
Linda Miars says
Jose and Family
I am so saddened to hear of Jeanne’s passing.
My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I wish you healing and peace.
Kathy and Jeff Pimley says
Jose and family. I am so saddened to hear of Jeanne’s passing. She was a fantastic lady and doctor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Laurie Lelm says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you, Jose, and the family!
Brittani Mahoney (Wilson) says
We are so unbelievably sorry for the tremendous loss all of you are going through. Dr. Jeanne was such an incredible, kind, warm and caring person. She had an amazing gift to make you feel at peace, heard and comfortable in her presence. She will be greatly missed. All our love and prayers,
Brenda & Russell Dotson says
Jose and family we are so very sorry and saddened for the passing of Jeanne. Jeanne was such a beautiful gift to so many. May your memories bring you joy in your heart and peace to your soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brenda & Russell
Velda Southworth says
Jose, Jorge, Alex, Chris and families, there are no words to take away the sorrow and loss you are feeling at this most difficult time, but I hope it helps to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeanne was a strong, courageous woman who shared great compassion and caring to many. She will be greatly missed. Cherish all the love and special memories of times shared. Thinking of you all and hoping you find healing and peace in the days ahead.
Dave Shreeve says
Jose and Boys,
I can’t believe Jeanie is gone but certainly not forgotten. As our neighbor and doctor, she will never be forgotten.
Jose, I don’t have words that express your loss, but I want you to know, our thoughts and love are with you.
Dave and Wendy
Rachel Blase says
Sending our deepest condolence and sympathy to your family. I may have only met Jeanne once, but I remember her vibrance and kindness vividly! Please let us know if there is anything we can help you with during this incredibly difficult time.
With love,
Your neighbors,
Jordan and Rachel
Kim Svihovec says
Jose and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jeanne. She was a very kind and caring individual and one of the best Doctors. The moment you meet Jeanne, you know you made a friend.
You are in my prayers.
Judy Hayworth says
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful, lovely lady! She influenced, for the better, everyone she met. My love and my prayers are with you.
Gomo & Ranoda Rosado says
We are so saddened by the passing of such a wonderful woman. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jose and family
Fam. Chamorro Franceschini says
Nuestra familia se une al dolor ante la pérdida de Doreen. Pipe, oramos por su eterno descanso.Amen.
Julio & Bernardette
Berta and Leo Conner says
We are so sorry for your loss of a beautiful soul. I can remember when we first met in our boys class and new instantly that she was a very kind soul and we would become friends. She was a wonderful Dr that cared deeply for her patients. We will miss her smile and bubbly personality. Many prayers for her family and friends.
Jim & Penny Lyon says
Jose and family-
We send you our deepest condolences. May the comfort of your faith and the sure hope of reunion being you peace. God bless.
Melinda and Chad Formanek says
Jose and Family—Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May all your great memories together move you through this difficult time.
Peggy and Kent Salitros says
We are grateful for the opportunity to have Dr. Jeanne as our physician and to witness her love for the community of Colstrip. Our condolences to Dr. Jose and sons, and family.
Marilyn and Joe Kampf says
Jose and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Jeanne was such a kind and wonderful person, I am so glad we got to know her in Colstrip. Thinking of you all.
Pam Simonich says
Dear Jose’, Jorge, Alex, Christian & family,
We were saddened to hear of Jeanne’s passing.
A pillar to the community of Colstrip and Billings with her grace, concern and deep compassion for all.
Thank you, Jeanne, for your gift of yourself to us.
Pete & Pam Simonich
Sharon Buckner says
So sorry to hear that Jeanne has passed. She was a joy to work l with at colsrrip clinic. A beautiful, kind woman. Peace be with you all. With sadness, Sharon Buckner
Dinny and Cindy Bennett says
Jose and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jeanne’s passing. She was a wonderful and thoughtful person. Jeanne, you and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
Dinny & Cindy Bennett
Margaret White says
Jeannie was a wonderful Doctor. I had respect for her commitment to her profession. She took such loving care of my Mom. She was a friend to her patients. My thoughts to her family. God Bless. Your loss is our loss. She was a beautiful, wonderful, loved, and respected women. God Bless.