Dolores Dawse (Dee), age 77 of Helena, passed away from Pancreatic Cancer, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Surrounded and supported by her family with sharing, celebration, and song, her illness progressed quickly and she journeyed into the beyond with little discomfort.
Dee was born in Minneapolis, MN on April 13, 1936 to the late Henry and Agatha (Dwyer) Dawse and grew up in New Richmond, WI. Always the consummate student, she graduated with high honors from New Richmond High School and excelled in theater, voice, and piano. Dee received a B.A. in English and Speech from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a M.A. in English from the School of Education at the University of Minnesota.
Dee married Dave Marsolek in 1959 and raised 4 children with him. One of greatest accomplishments of her life was the adoption of her Korean daughter, Maria, in 1970.
In her younger professional life, Dee taught English in Janesville and Muskego WI, Robbinsdale, MN, and at the University of Minnesota. She also taught in Menomonie, WI, where she inspired many students in the Forensics and Theater program.
Moving with her family to Montana in 1977, Dee made numerous friends in the Helena business community as a sales representative for the Adit weekly paper. Until retirement, Dee’s remarkable people skills were put to work at the Second Story Cinema / Helena Presents (now the Myrna Loy
Center) where she worked as a telemarketer, copy editor, brainstormer, and “everything woman”. She was part of the team which envisioned the Myrna Loy Center.
In 1988, Dee married Glenn Alan Porter and shared eighteen wonderful years with him until he passed away in 2006. Dee and Glenn were avid participants and supporters of the arts in Helena.
She treasured their annual travels together, whether to the Southwest, Mexico, or Seattle. For years, Dee volunteered at God’s Love Shelter where she would “hold court” and share her joyous spirit with those being served there.
In her later years, Dee continued her lifelong passion for language and creative expression by participating in women’s writing groups. She was integrally involved in the writing, editing, fundraising, and publishing of three compilations of prose and poetry by the Word Weavers Ink women’s writing collective. In addition, her editing and promotional skills helped launch the publication of three different memoirs by area women writers. During this time, she cherished her renewed friendship with Dave Marsolek.
Dee is survived by her children: Michael, Matthew, and Patrick Marsolek and Maria Barnes; her
grandchildren: Tiffany Brazington, Sophia and Patrick Marsolek, Joshua Soldiers, Mychal Anne Marsolek, Andrew and Amber Barnes, and Nyon and Ravi Topp Marsolek; and her nephews and niece:
Stephen, James and Jon Schneider, and Kathleen Schneider-Kowalski.
Dee’s passion for life touched everyone she met, whether visiting one of her favorite haunts with her writer friends, promoting her latest project (often the work of a particular person), leading a candlelit holiday circle, or doing errands about town. She always saw the best in those she met and never hesitated to give a compliment. Dee’s life was too rich to be consolidated into a few words here. Those of us who knew her cherish the unique parts of her story we carry.
There will be an informal memorial gathering and open house for Dee on Sunday, June 2nd, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, at 511 N Raleigh St, in Helena. In lieu of flowers, Dee requested that donations be sent to God’s Love Shelter, YWCA Helena, the Feathered Pipe Foundation, or Montana Public Radio. Comments, memories, and condolences can be shared online at www.retzmemorials.com or mailed to PO Box 672, Arlee, MT 59821.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday June 2, 2013
511 N Raleigh St
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday June 2, 2013
511 N Raleigh St
Helena, Montana 59601
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Ann Curlee says
I met Dee through my sister Kaye and enjoyed Dee’s stories and upbeat and happy attitude. She was such a help to new authors who needed their work edited including Kaye’s memoir. My thoughts and prayers are with Dee’s family and friends. She was an inspiration to all who met her and she will be “soully” missed by all, Ann Curlee
Michelle Griffin says
I am sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. Our paryers are with your families.
Michelle Griffin
Peggy Holwick says
A great woman I am glad to have met in Helena. So talented and always so gracious. My thoughts and prayers are with the Marsolek family.
cathy ferguson says
I am so sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. I met Dee through the Divorce Support Group in the mid 80’s where both she and Glen were group leaders. She was so compassionate and understanding. She will truly be missed.
Cathy Ferguson
Billie Perry says
I am so sorry to hear of Dee’s passing…or “Grandma Dee” as I affectionately referred to her as. This dear precious lady holds a special place in the hearts of many. My life is richer because she touched it. My heart and prayers are with her family! I love you Grandma Dee!!
Don & Jo Rigg says
We are sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. She was such an amazing lady filled with a fullness of spirit, joy of life and love. We are all so much better for having had her as a part of our lives.
Our thoughts are with all of you.
Don & Jo Rigg
Mary Micech says
Oh my dear, dear friend. My BFF. I can’t imagine how I will get through the rest of my life without you in it. But you will always be in it, in my heart. You have loved me much and given me so much. The many memories, the trips, the talks, even the cigarette breaks. What joy you have given me. You shared yourself, your family, your time, your writings and especially your heart, with me. You shared your joyfilled self with all you met. I hope I can share with others all that you have given to me. I miss you dearly. Mary Micech
Rony [Hallstrom] Veska says
I am so saddened by this news. Dee was always full of life, embracing my daughter Jody and me when we were newcomers to Montana and including us into her large extended family. She will be missed! Sending thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace for all who have been blessed to know her.
Rony [Hallstrom] Veska
Kay (Mergen) Brunoehler says
Dear Family of Dee Dawse,
Via a recent UW@EC online newsletter, I was made aware of the passing nearly a year ago of my friend, Dee. We were college classmates majoring in speech, English, and drama (College Players). In fact, we lived together our first two teaching years in both Janesville and Muskego. What fun we had on many occasions! However, as time, distance, and our families took over, we lost track of one another. Nevertheless, I do wish to express my sympathy to you and David Marsolek.
May she rest in peace.
Kay