Saint Mary Catholic Community Live Stream
Dolores (Dawson) Slovarp of Helena, Montana, peacefully completed a beautiful life journey on December 13, 2025, surrounded by the love, laughter, and presence of family and friends she so dearly cherished.
Dolores was born on April 7, 1942, in Yakima, Washington, to Edward and Norma (Ryan) Dawson. She was her father’s daughter in that he never met a stranger, and neither did she. That warmth, curiosity, and generosity of spirit would become her hallmark throughout her life.
On August 3, 1963, Dolores married the love of her life and truest companion, Tom Slovarp, in Kennewick, Washington. Together they built a marriage rooted in friendship, devotion, and joy, recently celebrating 62 remarkable years side by side. Dolores had several ‘best’ friends, but her true best friend of all was her husband, Tom.
Dolores’ greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her husband Tom; her children Don (Tonya) Slovarp of Billings, Kevin (Laurie) Slovarp of Missoula, and Shauna Slovarp of Missoula; and her beloved grandchildren Abbey, Hadley, Luke, Nora, and Brinlee Slovarp. She is also survived by her brothers Ed (Marcie) Dawson and Jack (Murrell) Dawson, sister-in-law Patty Dawson, brother-in-law Richard (Cathy) Slovarp along with many nieces and nephews who were fortunate to know her love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Norma Dawson; her brother Donnie Dawson; sisters-in-law Patricia Dawson and Ann Dawson; and her nephew Chris Dawson and niece Laura Dawson.
Dolores devoted her professional life to education and to special needs children who deserved an advocate, a champion, and someone who believed deeply in their potential. She pursued her calling through studies at Holy Names College, Gonzaga University, Immaculate Heart College, and Carroll College, earning her Masters of Education degree from Lesley College. She spent her teaching career serving the Helena Schools, teaching at Bishop Gilmore School, Jim Darcy Elementary, Helena Middle School, and Capital High School. In 2005, her extraordinary commitment was recognized when she received the prestigious Montana Teacher of the Year award from the Montana Council for Exceptional Children. The number of lives she touched, encouraged, and changed is immeasurable.
Beyond the classroom, Dolores had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen. She delighted in stopping strangers on the street, in shops, or in restaurants simply to offer a compliment or to let them know they were doing a great job. These small moments of kindness were her quiet superpower.
Dolores found deep joy at the Slovarp family cabin near McLeod, Montana, where time slowed and memories were made with family and friends. She was happiest when surrounded by her people—talking, laughing, celebrating, and loving fully.
Dolores lived with open arms, an open heart, and unwavering pride in the family and community she helped shape. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she uplifted and in the love she so freely gave.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Saint Mary Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave. A reception will follow the mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N. Montana Ave in Helena. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed at www.youtube.com/@saintmaryhelena.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dolores’ life by making a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at www.alzfdn.org.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dolores.
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00am
Monday December 22, 2025
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday December 22, 2025
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday December 22, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00am
Monday December 22, 2025
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday December 22, 2025
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday December 22, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mary Runkel says
A wonderful person and outstanding educator.
My thoughts go to the family at this time.
Katie says
Dolores made a profound impact on my life as a mentor and a friend. She was a bright light that whose impact was far reaching. Lots of love to you, Tom and kids
Lynn Estey says
We all have so many wonderful memories of her precence, support, laughter and love.
Donna Disher-Hathy says
I worked with Dolores at Jim Darcy School. Later in her career, she was my daughter’s special ed teacher at Capital High. She was a wonderful teacher and such an advocate for special needs students. She will be missed.
Sylvia Larson says
She was truly a beautiful lady, both inside and out. It was my honor to have known her, and I am grateful that my daughter was a part of her family.