Dolores (Del) Lemelin Harris passed away peacefully with family on September 20, 2022.
Del was born on January 31, 1932, to Albert Gilbert Lemelin. and Alice Josephine Worley in Butte, MT. She grew up in Whitehall and Boulder, graduating from Jefferson County High School in 1950.
Del attended Montana State College in Bozeman. In 1959, she began her life career as a librarian at the grade school in East Helena. After retiring, she enjoyed working with the State Legislature in Helena.
Del married her high school sweetheart, Leslie (Buck) Harris Jr, on Dec. 28, 1952 in the Boulder Methodist Church. Del had a wonderful life and was blessed by many enriching friendships. She really understood what it took to be a community volunteer and she spent her time working with the Methodist church, the genealogy library and Talking Books for the Blind. She was also very proud to be accepted into Daughters of the American Revolution.
Del loved to square dance, sing in the Sweet Adeline’s chorus, boat and camp. Some of her most cherished memories were the time she spent at the family cabin on Hauser Lake and huckleberry picking. She loved going south during the winter season to Mesa, Arizona, where she enjoyed the warm weather and dancing.
Del was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Buck; and sister, Ramona Lemelin Bullock; and daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Harris.
She is survived by her children, Leslie (Les) III and wife, Laura; Kim Harris; and Russell (Rusty). She was also very proud of her five grandchildren, Mark, Danielle, Britney, Ashley (Joey) Mancuso, and Julianne Harris. She was blessed with 3 great grandchildren, Makenna, Madison and Mayn Mancuso.
A memorial celebration of Del’s life will be held on Monday, September 26, from 11 a.m. at the Methodist Church in East Helena. A luncheon at the church will follow. Memorials may be sent to the East Helena United Methodist Church.
“Mom, you raised a wonderful family, and you will be forever missed.”
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Monday September 26, 2022
East Helena United Methodist Church
513 E Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday September 26, 2022
East Helena United Methodist Church
513 E Riggs St
East Helena , Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Monday September 26, 2022
East Helena United Methodist Church
513 E Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday September 26, 2022
East Helena United Methodist Church
513 E Riggs St
East Helena , Montana 59635
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Scott St. Clair says
Harris Family, you are in my thoughts. Del was an incredibly hard-working lady. I will never forget her enthusiasm regarding the East Helena Cemetery. She was a little bossy at times but always pushed to get things done; I respected her for that. It always brought chills to me when I think about the time she was helping with cleanup at the cemetery a few years back and took a spill. I often think of a couple of years ago when I was repairing and painting the shed addition. Del and Denice took on the project of scraping and sanding the paint on the old shed so I could make a few repairs and seal it up the best possible so it could be painted. Kudos to those two getting it done and doing an awesome job. Del was one of the last remaining old guards of East Helena, She and Buck were very active in East Helena. I know they were active in youth projects and organizations also that were not mentioned in the obit. One last thing I would like to mention is when we flooded back in the early 80s Buck and Del took a family into their house while they dried out their flooded house and made it habitable again; that’s just the kind folks they were. They both will be missed by so many. Scott St. Clair
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Del was a very respected community member as she tirelessly worked in many different arenas. She made herself available to the East Helena Methodist Church, East Helena Historical Society, East Helena Cemetery, Lewis & Clark Genealogy Society and so much more. She always spoke with a smile in her heart. I miss seeing her line dancing at the Senior Center. Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Glen J Cuchine says
My thoughts are with the Harris family, my mother (Merle Seaman Cuchine) was Del’s 1st cousin. We all realized the many activities of civic value she and Buck were involved in. Know her many good works will remain a vital part of the E. Helena community. Glen Cuchine
Linda Roe says
Del and Bucky were so special to the “Hogemark” girls. We all have so many special memories. Del was like a second mother to all of us. She cared about us all and was always there for us. This was a very special family indeed! My thoughts and prayers to all of the family. She was special and will be missed!
Kelli (Thorbergson) Kaufman says
Les, Kim, and Rusty, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I have such fond memories of her when growing up in East Helena. She had the best smile. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane and Budd Williams says
Dear Dani, you had such a wonderful Grandmother, and she loved all her family so much. I know you will miss her, but keep her in your heart.
Love, Diane and Budd
Debbie (Raymond) Hurni says
Dear Les, Kim & Rusty.
I have fond memories of your Mom at East Helena school. She was a wonderful librarian & helped me many times when I was searching for just the right book. Fast forward many years later & I watched her square dance at Hunters Pointe. She was great at square dancing!. Praying for peace for your family. God bless
Roberta Stipcich says
Les and family: My deepest sympathy to all of you. Your mom was an amazing woman who raised an amazing family along side with an equally amazing father. She will be missed by the East Helena community.
Linda Dennis Harris says
Les and family – I am so sorry, you have my deepest sympathy. I am so happy I got to see and visit with your Mom this past spring. Her smile was always so bright and will be so missed –
Lisa Stipcich Thompson says
Les and family – I have so many wonderful memories of your Mom & family there wouldn’t be enough room nor time for me to write them all.
Hold on to your memories as time passes the pain of your loss will ease but your Mom will never be forgotten.
My sympathies to all!
Merla Lawruk says
Dear Harris family – Since 1997 we have enjoyed both Buck and Del, square dancing, doing genealogy together, partying, exercising in the pool, etc. Before Buck had to return to East Helena for good, he came and helped Ron recarpet our front steps. Always willing to help! First we missed Buck so much and now we are equally sad to lose such a true and dear friend. They are forever in our hearts. Merla and Ron Lawruk, Ontario Canadians.