Amelia (Amy) C. Orser – dedicated wife, mother, Nonna, and friend to many – passed away peacefully at home on November 3, 2022 surrounded by her family.
Amy was born on November 28, 1950 in the Bronx, New York, to Anthony and Dorothy Caputo and grew up in Levittown, New York. She earned her degree from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1972. A few years later, during her time as a teacher in the Peace Corps in Asunción, Paraguay, she met her future husband, Scott Orser. They were married in New York on August 13, 1978 and settled in Montana where they raised their two children, Marken and Marisa.
For over 40 years, Amy and Scott were the proprietors of Novus Windshield Repair and Scott’s Windshield Repair. Amy was active in the Helena area Soroptimists and Montana Supporting Soldiers. She also immensely enjoyed working as a clerk for the state legislature.
Amy had a deep passion for cooking and baking. Her Italian heritage was always evident in the amazing dishes she cooked for friends and family. She created an incredible stream of pasta dishes, nice pots of sausage and peppers, cookies, cakes, and good breads too prolific to count and too delicious to forget. Her children’s friends remember being awakened early from sleepovers by Mama O’s towering 5’1” frame, her imposing wooden spoon, and her infectious giggle. Amy’s friends enjoyed their regular walks and visits for coffee with biscotti or fresh baked bread, and delicious meals. Holidays in the Orser household, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Amy’s birth month of November were always a special time because of Amy’s welcoming nature and the treats she prepared.
A lifelong learner and avid reader, she devoured books about US historical figures and looked forward to tending her gardens every year. Amy’s deep Catholic faith sustained her through the greatest challenges of her life, including the deployment of her son and daughter-in-law to Iraq, and her more recent valiant battle with cancer where she defied the odds at every turn gaining many months of precious time and wonderful memories with her beloved family.
Amy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Scott of Helena; her son and daughter-in-law Lieutenant Colonels Marken and Christy Orser, and grandchildren William and Caroline of Fairfax Station, Virginia; daughter Marisa Orser of Los Angeles, California; brother Robert (Gina) Caputo, nephew Salvatore, and niece Gabriella of Massapequa Park, New York and nephew Anthony of Fort Mitchell, Alabama; sister Kathy McKimmy of North Port, Florida; sisters-in-law Susan Friess and Marsha (Dan) Wilson, brother-in-law Malcolm Orser of Kalispell, Montana, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and her many dear friends.
We are extremely grateful for the extraordinary care Amy received from Dr. Elizabeth Bigger, the staff at the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Health and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice.
Funeral services will be held during the noon mass on Thursday, December 1 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 North Ewing Street. In lieu of flowers, Amy requested donations be made to the United Service Organization (USO) or the Cathedral of St. Helena.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday December 1, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday December 1, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Vicky and Fred Anderson says
A beautiful obit for Amy. She was a beloved friend and will be missed greatly. We are thankful for the friendship we shared. Our condolences to Scott and all of Amy’s family.
George Lane says
Scott, Marken and Marisa I am so sorry for your loss. We were good neighbors and U will remember the good times,
Amanda Reynolds says
I have tried to say all of the things here, but I can’t. There are just too many memories to put down. What I can say is that I was one of the lucky ones to call her Mama O, and that I was considered one of hers. For that I will be forever grateful. Sending all of the love to the Orser family.
Love, Manders
Susan Friess says
Amy was a wonderful sister-in-lae, as well as a dear friend. We loved shopping together, eating & laughing. I feel blessed to have known her, and truly miss her. Especially her cooking.
Jeffrey Cory says
Scott and family Paula and I are so sorry to hear about Amy. Remember times long ago. Thinking of you
Gretchen HARRINGTON & Family says
My dear cousin Scott & family. I am so saddened to hear about Amy. So many wonderful memories w/Amy & all of you through the years. Amy will be missed by so many. My heart aches for you all. We know she is w/our Heavenly Father because of her deep faith!
Hold dear to all your beautiful memories w/Amy. Wish I could be closer to hug you all. Just know you are in my thoughts & prayers during this sad occasion! Love & Hugs from Cousin Gretchen
& family. 💜
Bruce Robinson says
Beautiful tribute to the special woman Amy was. She exuded beauty, joy and love as her family and her cooking reflected.
You will be so missed Amy but what an imprint on our hearts you left. R. I. P my wonderful friend.
Gilda Clancy says
Amy was my friend of 25 years. We had so many good times together and great memories I will forever hold in my heart. Goodbye for now my dear friend! We’ll meet again on the other side!!
Ken Platt/Ann Gidel says
Although, we never met Amy, Ann and I have known Scott for too many years to mention. Scott, we are truly sorry for your loss and wish you the best in the coming years.
Sandy Bradford says
Scott and family – my heart aches with yours. What a beautiful eulogy of Amy! It is wonderful to read when a person’s life touches so many. May your family and friends bring comfort and encouragement to you in the days ahead. Sandy Bradford, Chris Bradford
James Maher says
Although I did not know her well, through her children I saw a kind and caring mom. It was my pleasure to have known her. Heartfelt condolences. James Maher
James Maher says
Although I did not know her well personally, through her kindness to her children, I found her to be a caring mother. She will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences. James Maher
Barbara rush says
I loved you so much Amy. We were friends for 38 years and spent many fun family times together. Amy was a wonderful woman and showed he r grace and courage even in the hardest times. She was a stalwart for me when my husband died, even though she was sick herself.
Lynn Hupp says
Beautifully written. Such a beautiful woman who will leave a lifetime of memories for her beautiful family. Love you all so much. So very sorry for your loss.
Brad Pietzyk says
Beautiful obituary.
I remember visiting when my family and I were traveling the country looking for a new home. Even though Montana wasn’t on our list (because winters), Amy tried so hard to get us to move there… right across the street!
Scott and Amy sent me more care packages than I could count while I was in Iraq. They always made me feel like family.
I am sorry to hear about this loss of a great person.
Bill and Miley Solich says
We will miss you Amy since you and Scott were our neighbors for over 30 years. Rest in peace dear lady.
You are surely in a better place